Vision Statistics in Texas

Texas has undergone notable shifts in vision health over the past two decades, with demographic changes and disease burdens playing a significant role in shaping current statistics. This article presents a data-focused examination of vision health metrics in the state, highlighting prevalence rates, demographic patterns, and key indicators that stand out in 2025.

From overall vision loss trends to specific eye conditions, these figures reflect the challenges Texans face—particularly in underserved areas—and how factors such as aging and diabetes rates intersect with visual impairment. Below is a review of the most significant statistics driving the discussion on vision health in Texas today.

Noteworthy Statistics Overview

• 6.21% of adults in Texas reported vision difficulties in 2018.
• 2.7 million older Texans (65+) in 2010 grew to 3.9 million by 2024.
• Roughly 607,054 cases of diabetic retinopathy contribute to preventable blindness.
• 23% of adults experience dry eye symptoms, exceeding national averages by 5%.

These initial figures underscore the importance of accurate data in understanding and addressing vision health issues. The following sections delve into more detailed statistics across various dimensions, including prevalence, demographic disparities, and the distribution of eye care providers.

Prevalence of Vision Impairment in Texas

This section focuses on the overall scope of visual impairment and how it has evolved in recent years across the state.

• By 2025, an estimated 6.95 million Texans are projected to face some form of vision impairment.
• Statewide data from 2018 indicates that 6.21% of adults reported vision difficulties, expected to rise with an aging population.
• High diabetes rates (12% diagnosed, 34% prediabetic) contribute to 607,054 known cases of diabetic retinopathy statewide.
• Age-related conditions have become more common; cataract prevalence rose by 30% between 2000 and 2012, affecting 1.59 million Texans.

Rising rates of diabetes and age-related conditions remain primary drivers of vision impairment. Below is a comparison with neighboring states and the national average.

Metric	Texas	Oklahoma	New Mexico	Louisiana	U.S. Average
Vision loss prevalence	3.3%	3.2%	3.4%	3.1%	2.8%
Diabetic retinopathy	17.3%	15.1%	16.8%	18.2%	14.9%
Optometrist density (per 100k)	14.7	16.2	12.8	13.5	15.1

While Texas’ overall vision loss prevalence remains comparable to some surrounding states, its higher population means more individuals require vision care.

Demographic and Geographic Disparities

Disparities in access and outcomes vary across different populations and regions throughout Texas.

• The state’s Hispanic population experiences a 68.9% cataract prevalence rate among older adults, with 96.6% of cases undiagnosed before screening.
• African Americans represent 11.6% of Texas’ population but account for 16.5% of glaucoma diagnoses.
• Border counties with predominantly Hispanic populations have 2.1× fewer optometrists per capita than non-border regions.
• The number of rural counties with no optometrist at all stands at 27, leaving thousands without local vision care services.

These figures highlight the uneven distribution of resources, as many people in border and rural areas struggle to find accessible and affordable vision care. In many cases, lack of routine screenings leads to higher rates of late diagnoses.

Common Eye Conditions and Their Impact

Several major eye diseases contribute significantly to vision loss statistics in Texas, each with its own demographic tendencies.

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) increased by 27% from 2000 to 2012, affecting 118,169 Texans aged 50 and older.
• Glaucoma has 184,720 diagnosed cases statewide, though actual numbers may be higher due to underdiagnosis in Black and Hispanic populations.
• Diabetic retinopathy remains the leading cause of preventable blindness among working-age adults, affecting around 15% of the state’s 3.5 million diabetics.
• Cataracts affect more than 1.59 million people in the state, with surgical demand growing 18% annually due to UV exposure and aging.
• Dry eye syndrome is reported by 23% of Texas adults, a rate 5% higher than the national average.

Both older adults and those with chronic conditions like diabetes are most at risk, driving a steady demand for vision-related services. The table below offers a quick snapshot of reported conditions and their known prevalence.

Eye Condition	Known Cases or Prevalence
AMD (Age 50+)	~118,169 affected
Glaucoma (Diagnosed)	~184,720 cases
Diabetic Retinopathy	607,054 total cases
Cataracts	1.59 million Texans
Dry Eye Syndrome	23% of adults statewide

Consistent screenings can reduce late detection and improve management of these conditions, yet screening rates and eye exam access are uneven across demographic groups.

Optometrist Distribution and Access to Care

Texas faces a workforce distribution challenge when it comes to eye care, particularly for populations outside urban hubs.

• About 90% of optometrists practice in metropolitan areas, leaving 27 rural counties without a single provider.
• Border counties, home to significant Hispanic communities, have half the optometrist density compared to non-border regions.
• 25.8% of the current optometrist workforce is over 55, raising concerns about replacements for retiring professionals.
• Insurer network data shows a recent 12% rise in independent optometrist participation in insurance plans.

These statistics point to a potential shortage in specialized vision care across large swathes of Texas, risking increased reliance on emergency or tertiary centers for routine services.

Population Aging and Future Implications

Age is a major factor in Texas’ vision health statistics, and the number of older residents continues to climb rapidly.

• The population aged 65+ grew from 2.7 million in 2010 to 3.9 million in 2024.
• By 2050, the older adult population is projected to reach 8.3 million, marking a major demographic shift.
• Roughly 20% of those over 85 are expected to experience permanent vision loss by 2025.
• The rapid growth in the older demographic may exacerbate conditions like AMD, glaucoma, and cataracts.

With nearly one-fifth of seniors projected to develop severe visual impairment, targeted intervention and regular exams become especially critical for this age group.

Key Statistics Summary

• Cataract prevalence rose by 30% from 2000–2012, totaling 1.59 million cases.
• 23% of adults in Texas report dry eye symptoms, compared to 18% nationwide.
• Border counties have 2.1 times fewer optometrists per capita than non-border areas.
• African Americans account for 16.5% of glaucoma cases but only 11.6% of the state’s population.
• Diabetic retinopathy affects 15% of Texas’ 3.5 million diabetic population.

Texas continues to see notable growth in its older population, rising diabetes rates, and disparities tied to geographic location. These factors converge to create a complex landscape for vision health, highlighting areas of progress and gaps that remain significant. Ongoing monitoring of key data points will offer valuable insights for all stakeholders seeking to understand the scope of visual impairment in the state.