Vision Statistics in South Dakota

South Dakota’s vision health status presents a multifaceted view of prevalence, demographic disparities, and access to care factors. The data indicates a relatively stable overall prevalence of vision impairment but shows wide variations among different population groups.

This article compiles key statistics related to the state’s blindness and serious vision difficulties, highlighting trends among various age groups, socioeconomic categories, and racial backgrounds. The goal is to provide an easy-to-reference collection of data points that stakeholders can cite when discussing vision health priorities in South Dakota.

Key Highlights

• The overall prevalence of blindness or serious difficulty seeing in South Dakota is 3–4%, compared to 5% at the national level.
• Among Native American populations, the rate of vision impairment can reach up to 11%.
• Households with incomes below $25,000 report nearly 11% impairment, more than double the rate among higher-income groups.
• 85% of South Dakota counties are classified as Health Professional Shortage Areas for eye care services.

These figures provide a snapshot of the overall vision landscape. Below is a more detailed breakdown of prevalence, age factors, demographic differences, and existing health service accessibility across the state.

Overall Prevalence of Vision Impairment

Understanding the overall impairment rate is crucial for gauging statewide challenges and comparing them with national benchmarks.

• An estimated 3–4% of adults in South Dakota report blindness or serious vision difficulty.
• The national median for adults with severe vision impairment is around 5%.
• Over the last decade, South Dakota’s impairment rate has shown minimal fluctuation, remaining fairly stable.
• Rural versus urban comparisons show minor differences, but specific rural counties have higher rates due to limited clinical care.

While the state’s age-adjusted rate is lower than the national median, deeper analysis reveals greater disparities in certain communities and age brackets. The table below outlines a basic comparison of vision impairment prevalence between South Dakota and the U.S. median.

Temporal Stability

Data from statewide surveys suggest that, since 2011, the proportion of individuals reporting serious vision difficulty has not shifted substantially. However, certain population subgroups have seen more notable changes.

Age-Related Differences

Age is a pivotal factor in the likelihood of vision impairment, influencing screening needs and healthcare priorities.

• Among adults 80 years and older, 10–11% report severe vision impairment.
• Working-age adults (ages 40–64) face a 4–4.5% prevalence.
• Younger adults (18–39) show a 2–3% prevalence, indicating lower but still significant rates.
• The senior population (65+) in South Dakota contributes to a higher overall burden of vision difficulties due to age-related conditions.

Efforts to track and address vision challenges often prioritize older adults, but data underscores that younger demographics still make up a notable portion of those with visual problems. The table below highlights age-specific prevalence levels in the state.

Demographic Disparities

Demographic factors play a significant role in shaping vision health outcomes, particularly in rural regions and Native American communities.

• Native American groups in South Dakota record up to 11% vision impairment, three times higher than non-Hispanic white populations.
• Some Sioux communities experience astigmatism rates of 9.2–10.8% with ≥3 diopters, exceeding general U.S. averages.
• Hispanic residents show 7–8% impairment rates, higher than the state average.
• Vision impairment in households earning under $25,000 can climb to nearly 11%, illustrating the effect of income disparities.

Low-income and uninsured populations face additional barriers to obtaining regular eye examinations. Below is a table illustrating key socioeconomic factors and their association with higher vision impairment.

Ocular Disease Burden

Prevalence of specific eye conditions underscores the scope of vision challenges that require clinical management.

• Individuals with diabetes in South Dakota report a 7.17% rate of blindness or severe impairment, higher than general state averages.
• Diabetic retinopathy prevalence nationally ranges 0.47–0.64%, but Native American groups in the state see elevated risks.
• Glaucoma prevalence is estimated at 1.17–1.36%, aligning with U.S. norms but likely underdiagnosed in remote areas.
• Age-related macular degeneration may affect up to 12.6% of adults over 40, based on national modeling.

Although these conditions are found across all population groups, access to specialized care remains a determining factor in outcomes. The table below provides a concise look at the distribution of major ocular diseases in South Dakota.

Access to Eye Care Services

Rurality and limited provider availability are significant contributors to untreated or late-diagnosed vision issues.

• 85% of South Dakota counties are designated as eye care Health Professional Shortage Areas.
• Some patients previously waited months for critical laser procedures due to limited ophthalmologist availability.
• In a 2022 Rapid City survey, 51% of respondents rated their vision as “poor” or “very poor.”
• 87% of that same survey population expressed high interest in on-site eye clinics within community health centers.

Legislative changes in scope of practice for optometrists have the potential to lessen procedure wait times in many rural communities. The following table illustrates shortage conditions in various counties.

Key Statistics Summary

• Overall vision impairment in South Dakota ranges 3–4%, below the U.S. median of 5%.
• Native American adults in the state face the highest recorded rates at 11%.
• Diabetic retinopathy prevalence among diabetic patients in South Dakota sits at 7.17%, well above nationwide averages for DR.
• 85% of counties have shortages in eye care professionals, causing delays in routine screenings and procedures.

South Dakota’s vision health data shows a relatively stable overall prevalence with wide variability among different ages, socioeconomic groups, and racial communities. Persistent shortages in specialized care, combined with higher-risk conditions in certain populations, underscore the importance of accessible and timely eye care services statewide.