Vision Statistics in Maine

Maine’s vision health profile in 2025 demonstrates remarkably low rates of visual impairment compared to other states. This data-focused overview highlights key findings about vision loss prevalence, disease burden, and access to eye care resources across the state.

By presenting these statistics in a clear, easy-to-understand format, this article aims to serve as a reliable reference point for researchers, healthcare providers, and organizations interested in Maine’s vision health landscape. The following sections distill core data points from statewide surveys and studies conducted over the past two decades.

Key Statistics at a Glance

Below are several noteworthy data points that illustrate the current state of vision health in Maine.

• Maine’s overall prevalence of visual acuity loss stands at 1.3%, which is lower than the national average of 3.6%
• About 1 in 75 Maine residents experience significant visual impairment
• Individuals over 85 years of age in Maine have a 20% rate of permanent vision loss
• 7.77% of people with diabetes in Maine report vision difficulties, compared to a statewide average of 4.43%

These figures underscore the importance of tracking both the scale and the specific causes of vision challenges. The next sections delve deeper into prevalence rates, age-related conditions, and disparities affecting different groups.

Prevalence of Vision Loss

Understanding how many people experience vision loss clarifies the scope of health services required.

• Maine has the lowest national prevalence of visual acuity loss at 1.3%, versus approximately 3.0% nationwide
• In high-prevalence states such as West Virginia, 1 in 30 residents experience vision loss, contrasting Maine’s 1 in 75
• The proportion of Mainers aged 65+ reporting blindness or serious difficulty seeing is 5.09%
• Adults aged 40–64 have a lower rate of blindness and visual difficulty at 4.19%

Age remains a key factor driving vision challenges, with sharp rises in impairment among older adults. The following table provides a snapshot of vision loss by select age brackets in Maine.

Age Range	Reported Vision Loss
40–64	4.19%
65+	5.09%
Over 85	20%

This age-stratified data highlights the particular vulnerability of older populations and underscores the need to monitor their healthcare needs closely.

Eye Disease and Conditions

Several conditions contribute significantly to visual impairment among Maine residents.

• Among individuals diagnosed with diabetes, 7.77% report blindness or severe vision difficulty
• The statewide average rate of vision impairment stands at 4.43%, indicating diabetes-related eye issues are nearly double the norm
• In 2017, ≥60% of Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes received annual eye exams, placing Maine in the top tier for diabetic screenings
• Cataract surgery capacity remains robust; one facility conducted over 2,400 cataract procedures in 2015 alone
• Estimated 1.8% prevalence of age-related macular degeneration among adults over 40, with higher rates among those 65+

Early detection through screenings and prompt surgical interventions help mitigate the burden of these diseases. Below is a table highlighting common eye disease rates and screening coverage in Maine.

Condition/Screening	Maine Rate	National Benchmark
Diabetes with Vision Difficulty	7.77%	Varies (4–10%)
Annual Diabetic Eye Exams (Medicare)	≥60%	Below 50% in some states
Cataract Surgeries (2015)*	2,400+ (Single Facility)	N/A
AMD Prevalence (40+)	1.8%	Similar Nationwide

*Indicates procedures reported by a prominent cataract surgery center within Maine.

Access to Eye Care

Location and socioeconomic status can significantly impact the availability of vision services.

• In rural Piscataquis County, the disability rate is 26%, but only about 1,935 residents are served by each primary care physician
• Analyses show areas where fewer than 25% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree often have 4.4% fewer eye care providers per capita
• Ironically, higher median household income correlates with a lower overall provider density, suggesting a concentration of specialists in specific geographic zones
• Telemedicine adoption has expanded in rural counties such as Aroostook and Washington, facilitating remote screenings for diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma

Such disparities reflect the challenges of delivering specialized care across diverse geographic regions. The following table shows the correlation between educational attainment and eye care provider density.

Category	Key Indicator	Associated Provider Density
Lower Education (<25% Bachelor's)	-4.4% Eye Care Providers	Fewer Specialists
Higher Median Income	Reduced Overall Provider Density	Localized in Urban Areas

Recent innovations in remote care and screening technologies aim to bridge these gaps by bringing services to patients in more remote parts of the state.

Demographic Disparities

Vision health outcomes can differ markedly across economic and social groups.

• Only 42.4% of Mainers with visual disabilities are employed, compared to 51.3% nationally
• The poverty rate among working-age visually impaired individuals stands at 29.1%, quadruple that of non-disabled adults
• Median household income for households with visual impairments is around $53,600, which is $32,300 lower than non-disabled households
• Approximately 2% of Maine’s population reports a vision-related disability, but this figure increases to 20% among those with intellectual or developmental disorders
• 75% of individuals with intellectual disabilities nationwide have co-occurring vision problems

These disparities underscore the complex interactions between social, economic, and health factors. They also highlight the importance of targeted resources for people who face multiple barriers to employment, income security, and care access.

Regional and National Comparisons

While Maine leads New England in vision metrics, variations exist across neighboring states and nationwide.

• Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont each share a 1.3% prevalence of visual acuity loss
• Massachusetts has a slightly higher rate at 2.1%
• Diabetic eye exam rates in Maine (≥60%) exceed rates in states like New Hampshire (58%) and Vermont (55%)
• On a national scale, Maine’s 1.3% prevalence is less than half the approximate U.S. average (3.0%)
• West Virginia stands among the highest, at around 3.6% total vision loss

The table below summarizes vision loss and screening data among Maine and its regional counterparts.

State	Visual Acuity Loss (2025)	Diabetic Eye Exam Rate (2017)
Maine	1.3%	≥60%
New Hampshire	1.3%	58%
Vermont	1.3%	55%
Massachusetts	2.1%	54%

When contrasted with national benchmarks, Maine’s preventive strategies yield higher screening rates and lower overall impairment, reflecting a robust approach to vision care.

Key Statistics Summary

• Maine’s vision impairment rate is 1.3%, versus about 3.0% nationwide
• Over 20% of Mainers aged 85+ have permanent vision loss
• 7.77% of Mainers with diabetes report significant vision difficulties
• Annual eye exam rates for Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes exceed 60%
• Residents with intellectual disabilities face a 20% reported vision-related disability rate

Overall, Maine’s low prevalence of vision loss, strong diabetic screening rates, and targeted surgical programs set a high standard. However, longstanding gaps in access persist in rural and low-education regions, indicating a continued need for innovative approaches to eye care distribution.