Social Determinants of Uncorrected Distance and Near Visual Impairment in an Older Adult Population

Uncorrected visual impairment (VI) significantly impacts life quality and exacerbates age-related health issues. Social determinants of health (SDOH) are associated with uncorrected VI, but quantitative evidence is limited. This study investigated the link between SDOH and uncorrected VI among aging adults to identify disparities and improve vision care.

We used data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study visits 4 and 6 and the ancillary Eye Determinants of Cognition (EyeDOC) study. We included subjects who were >70 years old and extracted their sex, race, residence, household income, education level, having an eye doctor, health insurance status, and Area Deprivation Index (ADI) and vision outcomes. Uncorrected VI was categorized into uncorrected distance (UDVI) or near visual impairment (UNVI). Associations between SDOH indicators and VI were evaluated using logistic regressions.

Among 967 adults (mean ± SD age, 78.6 ± 4.35 years; 37.9% male), UDVI was found in 293 and UNVI in 186. Living in Jackson, MS, was associated with lower odds for UNVI (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.36; 95% CI, 0.20-0.65). Higher odds for UNVI were associated with male sex (aOR = 2.01; 95% CI, 1.41-2.87), low educational attainment (aOR for not completing high school = 2.32; 95% CI, 1.37-3.92; aOR for high school only = 1.92; 95% CI, 1.26-2.92), no eye doctor (aOR = 1.58; 95% CI, 1.05-2.39), and having government health insurance only (aOR = 1.48; 95% CI, 1.00-2.17). Associations between SDOH factors and UDVI were weaker or non-existent.

This study links SDOH factors to uncorrected VI among older adults.

SDOH should be considered when designing interventions to reduce VI in vulnerable communities.