Healthy Habits - best States for Eye Health

 A new study finds Minnesota is the No. 11 best state for eye health.

 

An unprecedented 12 million Americans are visually impaired and while genetics play a huge role, it is only half the story. According to the WHO, half of the 2.2 billion people with visual impairment could have been prevented through lifestyle habits and medical care.

Smoking, diabetes, and obesity increase the risk of vision impairment and low-income areas are four-times more affected which often correlates to lack of medical care.

Given the importance of these factors, eye health varies significantly in certain parts of the country. 

RX-Safety today released a study on the Best & Worst States for Eye Health using the most recent data from the CDC, KFF, and BLS. Multiple factors were analyzed in all 50 states and D.C.

Key Findings:

·       No. 11 Minnesota: 1.66% of residents have below 20/32 vision, 40.3% have vision coverage, 14.5% smoke, and there are 6,571 residents per optometrist.

·       Regional Disparity: 7 of 10 best states are out West, 9 of 10 worst are down South.

·       10 Best States: Hawaii, California, Oregon, Washington, Iowa, New York, Utah, Maryland, Colorado, and Alaska.

·       10 Worst States: West Virginia, Kentucky, D.C., Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and South Carolina.

·       5 Tips for Eye Health: Take screen breaks, quit smoking, maintain a healthy diet, wear protective eye wear, and get regular eye exams.