North Dakota’s vision care landscape offers a compelling glimpse into how demographic shifts and healthcare access patterns shape population-level eye health. This article provides a statistics-driven examination of prevalence, age-stratified trends, and key disparities that define North Dakota’s vision care environment.
Although North Dakota reports one of the lowest rates of uncorrectable visual acuity loss in the United States, deeper analysis reveals a complex interplay of rural and urban resource gaps, demographic inequities, and disease-specific patterns. The aim here is to present the most up-to-date data on these critical factors, offering readers a clear view of where the state excels and where it faces ongoing challenges.
Below, you’ll find a range of statistics drawn from multiple sources, including state-level surveys and national studies. Each section focuses on presenting measurable data points, with minimal narrative commentary, so that the figures themselves remain the focal point.
Key Statistics
Here are several noteworthy figures on North Dakota’s vision care metrics:
- 1.33% uncorrectable visual acuity loss rate, significantly below the 2.4% U.S. average.
- 6.29% of residents aged 65+ reported blindness or significant visual impairment, marking a 75% increase over 2005 figures.
- 66.49% pediatric screening rate, which is 18 percentage points below recommended thresholds.
- 8.54% of the state’s diabetic population experiences diabetic retinopathy, an increase correlated with a 95% rise in overall diabetes prevalence since 2005.
This initial snapshot sets the stage for a more detailed look at prevalence, conditions, and demographic disparities. Up next, we explore overall vision health trends in North Dakota, highlighting how specific population groups are affected.
Overall Prevalence and Trends
Examining the broader trajectory of vision care outcomes helps illustrate how different groups within North Dakota have experienced changes in eye health over time.
- North Dakota’s overall visual acuity loss rate stands at 1.33%, making it the 4th lowest in the nation.
- For residents aged 65+, reported blindness or significant visual impairment reached 6.29% in 2018, up from 3.59% in 2005.
- Pediatric vision impairment for those under 18 is 1.95%, but only two-thirds of children are screened regularly.
- According to longitudinal data, projections suggest older adult vision loss could rise to 8.1% within the next few years due to age-related conditions.
Though the rate of visual impairment remains relatively low overall, key subpopulations reveal clear disparities. The table below compares some basic statewide metrics to neighboring regions for context.
| State | Vision Loss Prevalence | Ophthalmologists/100K | Pediatric Subspecialists |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | 1.33% | 8.4 | 0 |
| South Dakota | 1.98% | 6.1 | 2 |
| Minnesota | 1.28% | 14.7 | 9 |
| Montana | 1.89% | 7.3 | 1 |
Although North Dakota boasts a strong overall position, the absence of certain specialist providers across large rural areas remains a concern, particularly for children and seniors who may need more complex eye care.
Age-Stratified Data
A closer look at how vision health differs by age category highlights the importance of targeted screening and care.
- 0.67% prevalence of significant visual impairment among adults aged 18–39, indicating a lower burden in younger adulthood.
- Adults over 65 have a 6.29% vision impairment rate, which increased 75% since 2005.
- Senior vision loss is largely driven by age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
- Pediatric visual impairment rests at 1.95%, with only 66.49% of children receiving recommended screenings.
These data points illustrate that while younger adults experience fewer issues, North Dakota’s older residents face a rising risk of vision loss. Younger children also risk under-diagnosis if screenings remain below recommended levels.
| Age Group | Vision Impairment Rate | Notable Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 0–17 | 1.95% | Low screening rate |
| 18–39 | 0.67% | Lowest impairment |
| 65+ | 6.29% | 75% rise since 2005 |
Effective strategies to identify and manage risk factors in children and seniors may influence how quickly these rates continue to change.
Chronic Eye Conditions
In North Dakota, several eye diseases show unique prevalence patterns that point to gaps in screening and management.
- Diabetic Retinopathy: Affects 8.54% of North Dakota’s diabetic population, reflecting a 142% increase since 2005.
- Glaucoma: Age-adjusted prevalence remains at 2.1%, slightly lower than the 2.5% national average.
- Late-Stage Glaucoma Diagnoses: Up by 18% in the past decade, tied to gaps in rural screenings.
- Cataracts: Surgical intervention rates improved 63% since 2010, yet postoperative follow-up sits at only 74%.
While interventions like cataract surgery are increasingly accessible, consistent follow-up remains an issue, and diabetic retinopathy continues to climb alongside a broader surge in diabetes diagnoses.
| Condition | Prevalence in ND | Notable Change Since 2005 |
|---|---|---|
| Diabetic Retinopathy | 8.54% (of diabetics) | 142% increase |
| Glaucoma | 2.1% | Late-stage up 18% |
| Cataracts | High surgery rates | +63% in interventions |
Across many of these conditions, early detection is key. However, variations in provider availability and reimbursement hurdles often limit timely intervention.
Disparities in Access
Provider distribution, economic constraints, and demographic factors all contribute to significant variations in care availability and outcomes.
- North Dakota’s rural population stands at 76.2%, but rural areas have 1.4 optometrists per 10,000 residents compared to 4.2 in urban centers.
- Nearly 43 minutes is the average travel time to a retinal specialist in rural counties, versus 17 minutes nationally.
- Only 54% of counties with the lowest provider density have Health Professional Shortage Area designations for eye care.
- Medicaid reimbursement for comprehensive exams is 34% lower than private insurance rates, potentially affecting provider participation.
- A $124 average out-of-pocket cost for advanced diagnostic testing remains even with insurance coverage.
These logistical and financial barriers can lead to delayed diagnosis and missed follow-up appointments for those most in need, particularly older adults and individuals with chronic conditions.
Demographic Breakdowns
Population diversity, socioeconomic status, and cultural factors influence the patterns of vision impairment in North Dakota.
- Native Americans experience 4.67% vision loss prevalence, higher than the state’s white population.
- Females over 65 have a 22% higher likelihood of glaucoma-related blindness than males.
- Women comprise 73% of unpaid family caregivers, potentially reducing time for personal vision care visits.
- Non-white residents in North Dakota have grown by 95% since 2010, potentially reshaping future demand for culturally competent eye care services.
Such differences underscore the importance of examining vision care needs through a diverse lens. Economic, geographic, and social factors are closely intertwined with health outcomes in these communities.
| Demographic | Vision Loss Prevalence | Comparison to White Pop. |
|---|---|---|
| Native American | 4.67% | 60% higher untreated cataracts |
| Hispanic | 3.12% | Similar to state average |
| Female (65+) | N/A | 22% higher risk of blindness |
While the overall prevalence for some groups is on par with or below national averages, persistent pockets of high risk remain.
Pediatric Vision Care
Children’s eye health can set the stage for lifelong outcomes. Data indicates potential gaps in achieving optimal pediatric care coverage statewide.
- Pediatric blindness or uncorrectable vision issues stand at 1.95% across the state.
- Despite Medicaid coverage for vision services under 21, overall screening rates remain at 66.49%.
- There are 0 pediatric ophthalmologists specifically stationed in North Dakota for 186,000 children.
- Childhood vision impairment often goes undetected until it impacts academic performance, partly due to limited professional availability in rural districts.
This lack of dedicated specialists combined with lower-than-recommended screening underscores the need for coordinated approaches to ensure children receive timely evaluations.
Key Statistics Summary
- 1.33% current rate of uncorrectable visual acuity loss in North Dakota
- 8.54% of diabetic patients show signs of diabetic retinopathy
- 6.29% vision impairment among those 65+—a 75% surge from 2005
- 34% lower Medicaid reimbursement rates compared to private insurers
- 0 pediatric ophthalmologists within the state, impacting 186,000 children
These figures depict both promising statistics—such as lower-than-average overall visual acuity loss—and persistent challenges tied to rural access, provider shortages, and demographic-specific rates of disease. With a deeper understanding of these data points, stakeholders can better identify strategies for strengthening vision care statewide.
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