Most Older Adults Have Eyes Examined, but Disparities Remain

University of Michigan Professor Joshua R. Ehrlich led a study in JAMA Ophthalmology of older Americans with blindness and vision impairment, whose number is expected to double over the next three decades, reports Medical Research . "This study was designed to provide crucial data on contemporary data on patterns of eye care utilization in older adults," he notes. The study found more than 80 percent of older adults had an eye exam in the past two years — which was less likely among certain groups, including those who did not have a spouse or partner, had lower household incomes, or were from certain regions of the United States. Not noticing a problem, cost, and dearth of insurance coverage were common reasons for not having an exam. "In addition, 28 percent of those with diabetes reported not having an eye exam in the past year, though annual eye exams are recommended for this group that is at high risk for vision problems as a complication of diabetes," Ehrlich says. "While many older U.S adults appear to be receiving eye care, targeted public health messaging may be warranted to reach those who are at high risk for vision problems and are less likely to get eye exams."