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Vision Loss and Chronic Illness: What You Need to Know

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Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 5 min read.

"Discover the link between age-related vision impairment and chronic diseases, and how to protect your sight."


As we age, the prevalence of chronic diseases steadily increases, placing a greater burden on healthcare systems. These conditions not only diminish an individual’s quality of life but also drive up healthcare costs due to the complex care they often require. Given their impact on daily functioning and overall well-being, chronic diseases have become a focal point of research and public health initiatives.

The interplay between vision impairment and chronic diseases is a well-documented concern. While it's understood that vision problems often coexist with conditions like diabetes and heart disease, systematic analyses exploring a broad spectrum of chronic diseases and their relationship to vision health have been lacking. This gap in research prompted a new study to investigate the prevalence of chronic conditions among older adults with vision impairment.

A groundbreaking study by John E. Crews and colleagues at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, USA, has shed light on this critical issue. Their research delves into the associations between vision impairment and a range of chronic diseases in older adults, providing valuable insights for healthcare professionals and individuals alike.

How Common Chronic Diseases Impact Your Vision

Symbolic image of healthy eye connected to vibrant tree of life, representing health and longevity.

The CDC researchers used data from the US National Health Interview Survey (2010-2014) to analyze the health status of over 36,000 individuals aged 65 and older. The survey included a comprehensive list of 20 chronic conditions identified by the US Department of Health and Human Services for targeted research. The study focused on 12 of these conditions, along with hearing impairment, as additional factor.

Vision impairment was defined by asking participants whether they had trouble seeing, even with glasses or contact lenses. A significant 13.6% of those surveyed reported experiencing vision impairment. This group tended to be older (85+), more often female, and disproportionately of Hispanic or Black ethnicity. They were also less physically active and had lower levels of education compared to those without vision problems.

  • Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): 70.3% of those with vision impairment also had hypertension, compared to 60.6% without.
  • Heart Disease: 38.7% of individuals with vision impairment suffered from heart conditions, versus 27.3% without.
  • High Cholesterol: A significant 58% of those with vision problems also had high cholesterol, compared to 52.3% of their counterparts.
  • Stroke: Individuals with vision impairment reported a 14.4% incidence of stroke, nearly double the 7.1% among those with good vision.
  • Arthritis: Almost 63% of people with vision impairment also had arthritis, compared to 47.3% without vision problems.
  • Asthma: 10.5% of those with vision impairment also had asthma.
  • COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): 14% of the visually impaired also suffered from COPD, versus 8% without.
  • Cancer: Over 27% of people with vision problems also had cancer.
  • Kidney Weakness: 9.4% of those with vision impairment also had kidney problems.
  • Diabetes: Over 28% of individuals with vision impairment also had diabetes, compared to 19.5% without.
  • Hepatitis: 4.7% of those with vision impairment also had hepatitis, versus 3.8% without.
  • Depression: 20.4% of people with vision problems also had depression.
  • Hearing Impairments: More than half (51.4%) of those with vision loss also experienced hearing difficulties, versus 35.3% without vision problems.
The study revealed a strong association between vision impairment and overall health status. Older adults with both vision impairment and chronic diseases were more likely to report being in poor health. For example, among those with hypertension, 44.1% of those with vision impairment reported poor health compared to only 23.6% of those without vision problems. Similarly, for heart disease, the figures were 51.1% versus 30.9%, and for COPD, 61.7% versus 40.9%.

Protecting Your Vision as You Age

This research underscores the importance of regular eye exams, especially for older adults managing chronic conditions. Early detection and management of both vision problems and underlying health issues are key to maintaining quality of life. By taking proactive steps to protect your vision, you can reduce your risk of vision loss and enjoy a healthier, more independent future.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

1

What data and methodology did the CDC study use to investigate the relationship between vision impairment and chronic diseases in older adults?

The study conducted by John E. Crews and colleagues at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, USA, utilized data from the US National Health Interview Survey (2010-2014). This survey encompassed over 36,000 individuals aged 65 and older and included a comprehensive list of 20 chronic conditions identified by the US Department of Health and Human Services. The study focused on 12 of these conditions, along with hearing impairment, as an additional factor. Vision impairment was assessed based on participant reports of having trouble seeing, even with corrective lenses. The implications are that large scale studies can identify trends.

2

According to the research, which chronic diseases are most commonly associated with vision impairment in older adults?

The study revealed that Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), Heart Disease, High Cholesterol, Stroke, Arthritis, Asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), Cancer, Kidney Weakness, Diabetes, Hepatitis, Depression and Hearing Impairments are more prevalent among older adults with vision impairment. For example, 70.3% of those with vision impairment also had hypertension, compared to 60.6% without. Similarly, 38.7% of individuals with vision impairment suffered from heart conditions, versus 27.3% without.

3

What does the research suggest about the link between vision impairment, chronic diseases, and overall health in older adults?

The research suggests a strong link between vision impairment and overall health status, indicating that older adults experiencing both vision impairment and chronic diseases are more likely to report being in poorer health. For instance, among those with hypertension, 44.1% of those with vision impairment reported poor health compared to only 23.6% of those without vision problems. This association underscores the importance of integrated healthcare approaches that address both vision and chronic conditions to improve the overall well-being of older adults. However, the research did not explore the biological basis for these associations.

4

Does the investigation establish cause-and-effect relationships between vision impairment and the various chronic conditions studied?

While the study highlights significant associations between vision impairment and a range of chronic diseases, it does not establish causal relationships. For example, the study shows a higher prevalence of hypertension among individuals with vision impairment but does not explain whether hypertension causes vision impairment, vice versa, or if another factor contributes to both conditions. Further research is needed to determine the nature of these relationships and whether interventions targeting one condition can impact the other.

5

What are some proactive steps older adults can take to protect their vision, especially if they are managing chronic conditions?

Older adults can protect their vision by undergoing regular eye exams, particularly if they are managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease. Early detection and management of both vision problems and underlying health issues are essential for maintaining quality of life and independence. Proactive steps, such as adopting a healthy lifestyle, managing chronic conditions effectively, and seeking timely medical care for vision changes, can help reduce the risk of vision loss. The next step would be to undertake more clinical trials to help determine direct causation and actionable steps.

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