Vision health is a significant topic in Missouri, where evolving demographics and a notable chronic disease burden drive the state’s rising demand for eye care. Understanding the range of vision conditions, their prevalence, and related costs is essential for highlighting needs across every age group.
From senior-age macular degeneration trends to pediatric screening gaps, the data underscores how vision concerns impact overall well-being and healthcare spending. Presented here is an in-depth look at the most recent statistics across multiple categories, focusing on the state’s unique patterns and challenges.
Key Missouri Vision Statistics
Below are several noteworthy figures reflecting the current state of vision health in Missouri:
- The prevalence of age-related macular degeneration among Medicare beneficiaries rose by 43% between 2005 and 2025.
- Diabetic retinopathy rates in diabetic populations have increased by 70% during the same period.
- Approximately 8.78% of residents over 65 report significant vision impairment, outpacing national averages by 15–20%.
- Only 54% of older Missourians with diabetes adhered to recommended annual eye exam guidelines in 2017.
These figures indicate a broad need for comprehensive tracking of eye health problems across the state. Below are more detailed breakdowns of Missouri’s vision health environment.
Prevalence and Trends
Data on Missouri’s older adult population sheds light on persistent increases in age-related eye conditions.
- The state’s senior population (65+) grew by 87% between 2000 and 2030.
- Age-related macular degeneration prevalence among Medicare recipients rose from 6.8% to 9.4% between 2005 and 2019.
- By 2025, around 1.4 million older adults in Missouri require specialized eye care.
- Among visually impaired seniors, 68% also have diabetes or hypertension, contributing to compounded health risks.
These figures highlight how overall population aging compounds existing eye health burdens. Below is a table showing the progression of certain age-related statistics.
| Time Frame | Senior Population Growth | AMD Prevalence (Medicare) |
|---|---|---|
| 2000–2019 | Approx. 71% increase | 6.8% → 9.4% |
| 2000–2030 (Projected) | 87% increase | Further growth anticipated |
Demographic Disparities
Notable differences appear across age groups and racial demographics in the state’s vision health data.
- Adults aged 65+ report a 8.78% significant vision impairment rate, while adults 40–64 stand at 6.7%, and 18–39 at 3.63%.
- Among diabetic patients, non-Hispanic Black individuals show a 14.2% retinopathy prevalence compared to 8.9% for non-Hispanic White groups.
- Late-stage glaucoma diagnosis is seen in 38% of Medicaid enrollees, contrasting with 19% among privately insured patients.
- Significant rural-urban gaps appear in vision screening availability, with 67% of urban clinics offering tonometry vs. 22% in rural areas.
These disparities emphasize the importance of examining population subgroups. Below is a table comparing diabetic retinopathy prevalence among key racial categories.
| Demographic | Retinopathy Prevalence | Vision-Threatening Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Hispanic White | 8.9% | 2.1% |
| Non-Hispanic Black | 14.2% | 5.3% |
| Hispanic | 11.7% | 4.1% |
Diabetic Retinopathy and Glaucoma Data
Chronic conditions like diabetes and glaucoma directly affect vision outcomes across Missouri communities.
- Diabetic retinopathy affects 10.4% of Missouri’s diabetic population, exceeding the 8.1% national average.
- Over 63% of high-risk diabetic patients lack access to retinal imaging in Medicaid expansion counties.
- Glaucoma prevalence decreased from 8.8% to 8.1% between 2005 and 2019.
- Despite the overall decrease, the average time from glaucoma symptom onset to diagnosis remains 3.2 years, exceeding the national figure of 2.1 years.
Subtle progress in addressing glaucoma coexists with concerns about rising diabetic eye conditions. Expanding screening accessibility is often cited as a vital step.
Healthcare Accessibility
The statewide distribution of providers and the availability of comprehensive eye care exhibits stark differences between urban and rural counties.
- Urban counties average 2.4 optometrists per 10,000 residents, whereas rural counties average 0.7.
- Mobile eye clinic coverage stands at 89% in urban areas, but only 12% in rural regions.
- Average travel time to an eye care center is 15 minutes in urban areas vs. 52 minutes in rural counties.
- In the 39 poorest counties (over 25% poverty rates), untreated cataract incidence is 58% higher than in wealthier parts of the state.
Distance and limited provider availability contribute to underdiagnosis and delayed treatment. The following table shows select resource disparities between urban and rural Missouri counties.
| Metric | Urban Counties | Rural Counties |
|---|---|---|
| Optometrists per 10k | 2.4 | 0.7 |
| Mobile Clinic Coverage | 89% | 12% |
| Average Travel Time | 15 min | 52 min |
Pediatric Vision Considerations
Ocular health challenges in children can create long-term academic and developmental hurdles if not addressed early.
- About 67.94% of Missouri children received a vision screening in 2017.
- 24.46% of those needing follow-up received no treatment, nearly double the national average.
- Undercorrected astigmatism can elevate myopia progression rates by 38%.
- Only 14 school districts statewide offer on-site optometric services, limiting routine follow-up for many students.
Missed follow-up care can ultimately drive higher rates of visual impairment into adulthood. The table below highlights screening versus treatment gaps in select pediatric measures.
| Category | Screening Rate | No Follow-Up (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Children | 67.94% | 24.46% |
| National Average | 75% | 12.35% |
Costs and Regional Comparisons
Missouri’s vision care expenditures exceed many nearby states, especially in advanced treatment areas.
- Annual comprehensive exam costs average $128 in Missouri, compared to $112 in Illinois and $98 in Arkansas.
- Advanced AMD treatments total $8,921 annually per patient, higher than the national average of $8,102.
- Pediatric vision correction is around $324 per child, compared to $287 in Illinois.
- States such as Kansas report AMD prevalence rates of 7.9%, falling below Missouri’s 9.4%.
Below is a snapshot of how Missouri compares to Illinois, Arkansas, and the national figures for common eye care services.
| Category | Missouri | Illinois | Arkansas | National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Exam Cost ($) | 128 | 112 | 98 | 118 |
| Advanced AMD Treatment ($) | 8,921 | 7,843 | 6,972 | 8,102 |
| Pediatric Correction ($) | 324 | 287 | 265 | 301 |
Key Statistics Summary
- 43% increase in age-related macular degeneration diagnoses among Medicare beneficiaries from 2005 to 2025
- 10.4% diabetic retinopathy prevalence in Missouri’s diabetic population versus 8.1% nationally
- Significant vision impairment reported by 8.78% of adults aged 65 and older
- Average in-state annual eye exam cost of $128, exceeding the national average of $118
Overall, these figures reveal substantial burdens and disparities in vision health, touching nearly every age group. Concentrating on early detection, routine exams, and targeted support for high-risk populations has the potential to mitigate many of the outlined challenges, especially in underserved rural communities.
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