Vision Statistics in New Hampshire

New Hampshire exhibits some of the most noteworthy vision health metrics in the United States. This article explores diverse statistical findings from prevalence rates to demographic disparities, offering a data-driven snapshot of the state’s 2025 eye health environment.

From reduced overall acuity loss to a growing number of age-related conditions, the data paints a detailed picture of eye health among residents. Below is a closer look at key numerical trends that shed light on New Hampshire’s vision statistics and how different groups are affected.

Key Takeaways

• 1.3% of New Hampshire residents experience uncorrectable visual acuity loss, placing the state below the national average of 2.8%.
• 0.2% meet the criteria for blindness, aligning with nearby New England states.
• Among seniors aged 65+, 4.9% have vision loss, more than double the national senior rate of 2.0%.
• An estimated 60.4% of younger adults exhibit symptoms of dry eye disease, linked to increased screen use.

The following sections present core statistical insights into overall prevalence, age-related variations, disease-specific patterns, and comparisons with neighboring states. Each section focuses heavily on numeric findings to facilitate clear understanding and potential reference.

Overall Prevalence of Vision Loss

Statewide data underscores the relatively low rates of visual acuity loss in New Hampshire.

• 1.3% of residents statewide have uncorrectable vision loss (20/40 or worse) in 2025, making it one of the lowest rates nationally.
• The national average for visual acuity loss stands at 2.8%.
• Neighboring Vermont reports 2.1% and Massachusetts 2.4%, both above New Hampshire’s rate.
• Legally blind individuals (20/200 or worse) represent 0.2% of the population.

These figures suggest that New Hampshire’s preventive measures and early interventions may be contributing to lower rates of severe vision loss relative to much of the United States.

Age-Related Vision Statistics

Age remains a pivotal factor influencing eye health in the state.

• 4.9% of residents 65 and older report some degree of uncorrectable vision loss in 2025.
• By comparison, the national figure in this demographic is only 2.0%.
• Among those over 85 in New Hampshire, about 20% experience permanent vision loss.
• Age-adjusted prevalence of blindness decreased by 30.5% statewide since 2000, likely reflecting better treatment modalities.

This age-driven disparity emphasizes the importance of consistent monitoring for older adults, given the considerable jump in eye-related issues with advancing years.

The statistics above illustrate how vision impairment grows with age, underscoring the heightened prevalence among those in their mid-70s and beyond.

Demographic and Gender Disparities

While New Hampshire has relatively low overall vision loss, certain populations encounter disproportionately higher rates.

• Hispanic/Latino residents show 1.8× higher risk of vision loss than White counterparts.
• Black residents in the state face 2.1× higher prevalence of blindness, echoing national challenges related to diabetes management.
• Native groups show 1.48% glaucoma prevalence, compared to 0.75% in White populations.
• Women account for 56% of vision-impaired residents, correlating with their longer life expectancy.

These differences underscore how ethnicity and gender can shape health outcomes and reflect broader patterns seen across many U.S. states.

Key Eye Diseases and Trends

Several specific conditions contribute to the overall picture of eye health in New Hampshire.

• 28% of vision loss cases among seniors relate to age-related macular degeneration.
• Diabetic retinopathy affects 5.22% of the diabetic population in 2025, consistent with rising obesity rates statewide.
• Diabetic macular edema claims increased by 19.8% annually from 2009–2018.
• Dry eye disease symptoms appear in 60.4% of younger adults, correlating with higher screen exposure.

Monitoring these conditions is critical since they represent a large proportion of vision issues that can reduce quality of life or lead to permanent impairment if untreated.

These findings highlight the major contributors to vision impairment in the region, which can guide awareness efforts and help communities understand the scope of different eye conditions.

Eye Care Providers and Regional Distribution

Provider availability significantly influences how quickly individuals seek or receive treatment.

• Optometrists outnumber ophthalmologists by a ratio of 3:1 across the state.
• At least 2 counties have no ophthalmologist, limiting in-person specialist care for certain rural populations.
• Overall, 8.2 ophthalmologists per 100k residents serve New Hampshire, below Massachusetts’ 12.1 but above Vermont’s 6.5.
• In more remote areas, many residents must travel over 30 miles for specialized treatments.

Regional disparities in provider presence underscore the potential challenges faced by those in less urbanized parts of the state, where wait times and travel distances can be higher.

Comparisons with Neighboring States

Evaluating New Hampshire’s performance against Vermont and Massachusetts offers additional perspective.

Although New Hampshire’s visual acuity loss rates are comparatively low, Massachusetts’ higher density of ophthalmologists may explain certain differences in specialized care outcomes, especially concerning diabetic eye conditions.

Key Statistics Summary

• Uncorrectable visual acuity loss affects 1.3% of New Hampshire residents.
• Among seniors (65+), 4.9% have vision loss, higher than the national rate for older adults.
• Dry eye disease prevalence stands at 60.4% among younger adult populations.
• Diabetic retinopathy affects 5.22% of local adults living with diabetes.
• Age-adjusted blindness rates have dropped by 30.5% statewide since 2000.

Overall, these numbers provide a snapshot of how New Hampshire maintains below-average vision loss figures while still facing challenges with age-driven and disease-specific impairments. Eye disease management, demographic differences, and provider availability are key factors shaping the state’s vision health environment.