Visual Acuity and Contrast Sensitivity Prevalence in Older U.S. Adults

Prevalence estimates for visual acuity and contrast sensitivity loss among Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older. Data originates from the National Health and Aging Trends Study round 12, collected in 2022, and was analyzed by the Vision and Eye Health Surveillance System. Calculations use VEHSS case definitions for vision loss and blindness.

Use Cases

• Analyze prevalence of vision loss by demographic subgroups using columns like Age, Sex, and States.
• Model the relationship between RiskFactor responses and visual acuity outcomes measured in Data_Value_Unit.
• Compare visual acuity estimates (Data_Value_Type) across different geographic regions using LocationDesc and GeoLocation.
• Assess statistical confidence in prevalence estimates using Low_Confidence_limit and High_Confidence_Limit columns.
• Investigate sample characteristics and representativeness via NonWeightedSample and SampleSize fields.

Strengths

• Data is based on a nationally representative sample of Medicare beneficiaries.
• Includes multiple vision-related metrics: distance acuity, near-distance acuity, and contrast sensitivity.
• Prevalence calculations follow standardized VEHSS case definitions for consistency.

Limitations

• Sample restricted to individuals aged 65 years and older, limiting generalizability to younger populations.
• Visual acuity estimates are based on presenting acuity (with usual eyewear), not best-corrected acuity.
• Specific row count and sample size for the analyzed subset are not provided.

Provenance

Source

National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) public use data, analyzed by the Vision and Eye Health Surveillance System (VEHSS).

Collection Method

In-person interviews and vision tests conducted via computer tablet on a nationally representative sample.

Time Range

Data from NHATS round 12, collected in 2022.

Freshness

Based on survey data collected in 2022, with metadata updated in May 2025.

Geography

United States, with state and county-level breakdowns available (States, Counties columns).