Vision Statistics in Tennessee

Tennessee’s vision care landscape features a rich tapestry of data points reflecting everything from shifting demographics to varied access to care. This article synthesizes key statistics on blindness, vision impairment, leading eye diseases, and barriers to care, focusing on measurable data and trends that can serve as highly citable references.

Below, we explore prevalence rates, demographic disparities, and other relevant figures that illuminate current patterns in Tennessee’s vision health. By concentrating on concrete statistics, we aim to provide an objective overview of the state’s vision care profile.

Quick Highlights

Here are some noteworthy metrics offering a snapshot of the state’s vision-related health environment:

• 195,000 residents classified as blind or visually impaired in 2023.
• Annual vision difficulty cases ranged from 179,074 to 206,380 between 2011 and 2019.
• 70.7% of vision-impaired Tennesseans are women.
• 35% of residents aged 50+ reported no eye care visit in 2005, with half citing cost issues.

These figures introduce the scope of vision health challenges in Tennessee. In the sections that follow, we explore deeper statistical insights organized by topic, highlighting as many measurable data points as possible.

Prevalence and Overall Trends

Understanding how many Tennesseans face vision difficulties is central to addressing their needs.

• 195,000 residents were classified as blind or visually impaired in 2023.
• Between 2011 and 2019, annual prevalence rates fluctuated between 179,074 and 206,380, hitting their peak in 2019.
• By 2050, national projections suggest total cases of visual impairment and blindness could double, with Tennessee’s aging population expected to follow a similar trajectory.

Many experts link these increases to the state’s shifting demographics and the broad impact of chronic conditions. The table below summarizes select prevalence data.

Year	Approx. No. of Tennesseans with Vision Difficulty
2011	179,074
2019 (Peak)	206,380
2023 (B/VI Classification)	195,000

This historical context underscores both the severity and fluid nature of Tennessee’s vision health profile.

Age and Gender Factors

Age and gender play a significant role in vision health trends across the state.

• 70.7% of vision-impaired Tennesseans are women.
• Men have higher rates of trauma-related vision loss, linked to occupational risks in sectors such as agriculture.
• As of 2018, older adults reported higher vision difficulty rates compared to younger adults, with a notable difference in severe cases.
• Women’s higher life expectancy contributes to their increased representation among those with chronic eye diseases.

These metrics highlight the importance of tailored interventions that consider differing life expectancies, work hazards, and medical vulnerability by gender and age. The table below provides a snapshot of how certain demographic groups experience vision impairment.

Demographic Group	Percentage with Vision Impairment
Women	70.7% of total B/VI population
Men	Higher trauma-related vision loss
Ages 65+	Highest rates of age-related conditions
Ages 18-39	Lower prevalence, but rising dryness issues

The gender split and age-based patterns offer a clearer perspective on how to approach vision care screening and management.

Leading Eye Diseases

Many Tennesseans experience vision loss due to conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.

• Age-related eye diseases collectively affect 31.8% of Tennesseans aged 50+.
• Cataracts alone impact 19.6% of adults in the 50+ group.
• Diabetic retinopathy prevalence was between 1.6% and 5% in the 2006–2008 period.
• Diabetes increases the risk of vision complications by over 100% compared to the general population.
• Dry eye disease symptoms appear in 60.4% of young adults, making it an emerging concern.

The following table details some major conditions in individuals over 50, showcasing how prevalent each disease is among this group.

Eye Disease	Estimated Prevalence (Ages 50+)
All Age-Related Diseases (Combined)	31.8%
Cataracts	19.6%
Glaucoma & Macular Degeneration	Remaining 12.2% combined
Diabetic Retinopathy (Statewide, All Ages)	1.6–5% (2006–2008)

Such information helps pinpoint where the greatest risks lie, particularly among older adults and those with underlying health conditions.

Insurance and Utilization

Cost coverage and regular eye checkups are key factors influencing how Tennesseans engage with vision care services.

• 35% of Tennesseans over 50 had not visited an eye care provider in the past year in 2005, with half citing cost barriers.
• Uninsured rates for eye care in Tennessee exceed the national average, impacting both preventative screenings and timely treatments.
• Disparities by race persist, with moderate-to-severe vision loss reported at 16.2% for non-Hispanic Black adults and 16.1% for Hispanic adults, versus 11.4% for non-Hispanic Whites.

Affordability strongly shapes the frequency of eye examinations. The table below highlights utilization factors influencing Tennessee residents across different age brackets.

Age Group	Typical Time Since Last Eye Exam	Key Barrier
50+	35% no exam in past year	Cost
All Adults (Uninsured)	Higher intervals between exams	Lack of Coverage
Racial Minorities	Lower screening rates	Insurance & Access

These utilization trends underscore the link between insurance coverage and consistent eye health maintenance.

Geographic and Economic Barriers

Rural-urban divides and economic inequalities create distinct obstacles for those seeking vision care in Tennessee.

• In some rural Appalachian areas, 27.7% of older adults name cost or lack of insurance as primary hurdles to eye exams.
• 23.6% in these regions also cite transportation limitations as a significant barrier.
• Rural clinics often lack advanced tools like optical coherence tomography, requiring lengthy travel for specialized assessments.
• Urban-based initiatives provide free low-vision services but remain inaccessible to many due to distance and resource limitations.

Because of these constraints, vision care in remote locations frequently depends on mobile outreach programs or telehealth solutions. Below is a brief look at some barrier categories.

Barrier	Percentage of Older Adults Affected
Cost / No Insurance	27.7%
Transportation Issues	23.6%
Lack of Specialist Tools (Rural Clinics)	Not quantified statewide

Geographic disparities continue to shape Tennessee’s approach to ensuring more equitable access to essential eye health services.

Key Statistics Summary

• 195,000 Tennesseans are considered blind or visually impaired in 2023
• Rural Appalachian areas report 27.7% of older adults struggling with eye exam costs
• 31.8% of residents aged 50+ experience cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration
• 16.2% of non-Hispanic Black adults and 16.1% of Hispanic adults report moderate-to-severe vision loss
• Between 179,074 and 206,380 Tennesseans reported annual vision difficulty over the last decade

Tennessee’s diverse vision care profile encompasses high rates of age-related diseases, persistent insurance gaps, and strong rural-urban divides. The data points consistently underline the importance of cost, transportation, and regular screening in managing and preventing vision loss.