The old adage, “Health is wealth,” seems to hold truer than ever in the US, as more people are reporting higher levels of medical debt.
According to a 2024 KFF survey, up to 41% of all adults have some form of debt related to healthcare. This is equivalent to around 100 million Americans with an overall debt of about $220 billion.
Because of the high costs of healthcare, many Americans mistakenly believe that the best way to relieve their debt is to avoid regular checkups and medical care in the first place. Given that most medical bills result from chronic or progressive illness, which often can be prevented with early intervention, this is a misguided effort. With studies showing that a lack of eye healthcare, in particular, can lead to both serious ocular diseases and negative effects on income and the economy, better vision care could be a matter of national importance.
A look into the impact of eye health
Sight loss and vision impairment are two of the most costly health conditions nationwide. According to surveys, they create an economic burden of over $50 billion every year. On a more individual level, experts, such as those at the International Federation of Ageing, estimate that people with ocular concerns spend up to $5,000 more than their peers without. Overall, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believes that this means major vision problems could cost the economy nearly $380 billion by 2050.
On the flip side, research from the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) and Kevin Frick of Johns Hopkins have found that better eyesight and related eye care can positively affect the economy. Specifically, up to $50 billion can be injected back into the economy with the appropriate measures to address avoidable sight loss. As it is, most cases of non-congenital blindness can be prevented. For example, up to 90% of vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy can be avoided.
The researchers posit that curbing avoidable vision loss will reduce the chances of triggering career-related issues, which naturally influence overall financial stability. Commissioned reports state that people who develop vision impairments are up to 30% less productive, which, over time, creates a ripple effect that impacts their track record and their company’s profits.
Achieving better vision health
While good health differs for everyone, the same study recommends taking proactive steps to monitor eyesight. After all, many serious conditions progress slowly and are only obvious once irreversible damage has been done. This is also the case for cataracts and glaucoma, which are two of the leading causes of vision loss today.
Healthcare specialists agree that regular eye tests are the first line of defense. During these sessions, doctors can track and spot any irregularities and treat them accordingly. What’s more, these tests may even reveal other health problems like hypertension and diabetes. For instance, research from Cedars-Sinai has found that abnormalities in the eye can be indicators of Alzheimer’s disease. Early detection of vascular changes in the retina can lead to early diagnosis and help with tracking the progression of the disease, making management easier and more effective.
That said, Wakefield Research states that up to a quarter of people with a high risk of vision issues admit to putting off medical care. The most common causes for this are unfamiliarity with eye care or financial limitations. Fortunately, getting an eye exam is more accessible than ever. Major retailers like Target Optical now offer services like eye tests, where third-party doctors can treat patients who may otherwise be intimidated or unable to visit traditional clinics. Because these services are also linked to online portals, patients can search for the closest branch to them and book ahead for better convenience.
Additionally, adults should look into their insurance providers. Around 90% of Americans have health insurance, but not all cover vision. Sometimes, insurance plans still require significant out-of-pocket costs for things like eye exams or eyewear. If possible, it’s better to look into more comprehensive providers that can cover preventative and corrective measures. For instance, VSP offers total or partial coverage for things like tests, out-of-network doctor visits, and laser surgeries. This way, insurance holders can get the ocular aid they need without going into debt or just downright avoiding medical care.
With the economic impacts of ocular diseases and vision loss climbing, early detection and accessible care for these issues are more crucial than ever. However, whether or not these steps towards better vision care in the US will be taken remains to be seen.