Vision health in Idaho has undergone notable shifts in recent years, with multiple data sources showing rising rates of visual impairment and varying access to eye care. The following overview consolidates key statistical findings to provide a detailed perspective on Idaho’s eye health situation, with a focus on prevalence rates, major demographic patterns, and trends in optometric services.
By examining a broad range of datasets—such as community surveys, state agency reports, and national public health databases—clear trends emerge about the growing need for accessible, effective vision care. This article brings together these data points in an easy-to-reference format, offering a statistical portrait of current challenges and important considerations for Idaho’s rapidly changing population.
Noteworthy Idaho Vision Statistics
Below are a few key figures that highlight the scope of vision health issues in Idaho:
- 2.9% of Idaho’s population reported a visual disability in 2017, compared to 2.3% nationally.
- 3.2% of Idahoans could experience visual acuity loss (20/40 or worse) by 2025.
- 11.3% of Idaho adults aged 75 and older report vision difficulties, the highest among all age groups.
- 295 optometry establishments were recorded statewide, with 1,417 employed professionals as of 2025.
These numbers underscore how Idaho’s vision health metrics compare to and in some cases exceed national averages. In the sections below, further data illustrates demographic breakdowns, major eye disease prevalence, and geographic patterns shaping vision care in the state.
Prevalence of Visual Disability
Data on the overall prevalence of visual impairment in Idaho provide insights into the scope and rate of growth over time.
- 2.9% of the Idaho population reported blindness or serious difficulty seeing even with correction in 2017.
- This rate increased from 2.3% in 2015, indicating a noticeable upward trend.
- Estimates suggest that by 2025, around 3.2% of Idahoans could be impacted by vision loss (20/40 or worse).
- The national average for visual disability remains closer to 2.3%, making Idaho’s figures notably higher.
These prevalence rates have been shaped by factors such as aging demographics, chronic disease incidence, and rural access to vision services. The table below highlights how Idaho’s visual disability prevalence compares with a few other states.
| State | Visual Disability % |
|---|---|
| Idaho | 2.9% |
| Utah | 1.3% |
| Montana | 2.1% |
| Oregon | 2.7% |
| Nevada | 3.3% |
Although Idaho’s prevalence rates fall below certain neighboring states, they remain above the national average and continue to trend upward.
Demographic Disparities
Understanding the specific populations most affected by vision impairment in Idaho helps contextualize the overall statistics.
- 1.3% of Idahoans aged 18–34 report vision difficulties, versus 11.3% among those aged 75 and older.
- Non-Hispanic White residents have a 2.9% prevalence, higher than the national White rate of 2.4%.
- Hispanic communities in Idaho show a 2.1% prevalence, matching the national average for Hispanic populations.
- “Other” racial groups in Idaho, including Pacific Islanders and multiracial individuals, report up to 4.0% vision disability rates.
- Only 55.7% of working-age Idahoans with visual disabilities are employed, compared to 90.9% of those without.
Compared to national patterns, the data suggests unique disparities among certain racial or ethnic groups in Idaho. The table below shows an employment gap illustration linked to vision impairment.
| Population Segment | Employment Rate |
|---|---|
| Idahoans with Vision Disability | 55.7% |
| Idahoans without Disability | 90.9% |
| National Vision Disability Avg. | ~ 64.8% |
The pronounced gap in employment rates further illustrates the socioeconomic impact of vision challenges on Idaho’s working-age individuals.
Major Eye Diseases and Comorbidities
Several underlying conditions contribute significantly to Idaho’s rates of vision impairment.
- The state’s diabetes prevalence stands at 9.8% as of 2021, a key driver of diabetic retinopathy (DR).
- Nationally, 9.6 million Americans live with diabetic retinopathy, with 1.84 million cases considered vision-threatening.
- Cataracts affect roughly 17% of adults aged 40 and older, a figure believed to be consistent in Idaho.
- Glaucoma impacts an estimated 1.7% of Americans, though rural regions in Idaho may see higher underdiagnosis rates.
In many cases, these conditions are interconnected with broader public health trends, such as an aging population and higher incidences of chronic diseases. The table below highlights key figures related to these eye diseases.
| Eye Condition | Estimated Prevalence in Idaho |
|---|---|
| Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) | Not fully quantified, but 9.8% diabetes rate drives risk |
| Cataracts (Age 40+) | ~17% |
| Glaucoma | ~1.7% of general population |
As the population ages and chronic conditions remain prevalent, these disease-specific statistics are expected to remain an area of focus in ongoing vision health discussions.
Access to Eye Care Services
Idaho’s optometric infrastructure and healthcare coverage play a significant role in how well residents can manage or prevent vision loss.
- There are 295 optometry establishments statewide, employing 1,417 professionals as of 2025.
- Ada County (Boise area) holds about 22% of these providers, concentrating service availability in urban centers.
- Public insurance programs (Medicaid and Medicare) cover 27% of Idaho’s population.
- The Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired served only 2.4% of eligible individuals in a recent year.
With a considerable portion of the population reliant on public insurance, reimbursement dynamics and provider availability heavily influence actual care access in Idaho. The following table shows the distribution of optometric establishments by region:
| Region | % of Optometry Providers |
|---|---|
| Ada County (Boise) | 22% |
| Canyon County | Approx. 12% |
| Rural Counties (Combined) | Less than 30% |
| Other Urban Areas | Approx. 36% |
The concentration of providers in urban centers, combined with a lower rate of coverage acceptance in certain areas, creates notable gaps for rural Idahoans seeking routine and specialized vision care services.
Comparisons to Neighboring States
Finally, comparing Idaho’s data with that of neighboring states offers insight into regional trends and contrasts.
- Idaho’s vision loss prevalence of 2.9–3.2% is higher than Utah (1.3%) and Montana (2.1%)
- Nevada stands at 3.3% prevalence, slightly above Idaho
- Oregon’s rate is 2.7%, close but still below Idaho’s estimates
- Median income in Idaho is $60,999, with an uninsured rate of 8.7%, factors that often affect vision care access
These comparative figures place Idaho near the middle of the pack in the Mountain West region, underscoring the state’s complex blend of higher-than-average prevalence, sizable rural populations, and moderate insurance rates.
Key Statistics Summary
- Idaho’s reported visual disability rose from 2.3% in 2015 to 2.9% in 2017
- Over 11% of residents aged 75+ experience significant vision difficulties
- 295 optometry establishments employ more than 1,400 professionals statewide
- Up to 3.2% of Idahoans could face visual acuity loss by 2025
- Diabetic retinopathy risk is heightened by a 9.8% adult diabetes prevalence
Idaho’s vision health data shows elevated prevalence rates compared to national averages, significant disparities by age and race, and a distinct urban-rural divide. Chronic conditions like diabetes further amplify vision challenges, while the concentration of providers in urban centers underscores issues of access. These combined factors highlight the importance of continued monitoring and resource allocation to meet the state’s growing vision care needs.
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