According to an NPR article, myopia rates in the United States are rising, from 25% in the 1970s to a staggering 42% in 2024. Also known as nearsightedness, myopia is characterized by difficulty seeing or focusing on objects at a distance due to an abnormal shape of the cornea or the eye itself.
Since this eye condition can affect patients' health and overall quality of life, it is one of the leading causes of significant visual disability in Maryland, which is reported to affect about 5% of the population. Visual disabilities can also cost Maryland residents an average of $21,118 in healthcare expenses, making it crucial to invest in eye care to reduce the risk of vision problems like myopia and improve long-term eye health.
Fortunately, new eye care opportunities have become available in Maryland, removing accessibility barriers and encouraging residents to take better care of their eyesight.
Despite ongoing efforts to improve access to eye care in the US, there are still individuals who cannot get their vision screened due to barriers like the high costs of eye exams and eyeglasses. To address this equity gap, the Maryland Department of Health has announced a $1 million funding for its Vision for Baltimore partnership. This partnership involves the Baltimore City Health Department, Baltimore City Public Schools, Johns Hopkins University, the nonprofit organization Vision To Learn, and the eyewear brand Warby Parker.
Through Vision for Baltimore, elementary and middle school students across Baltimore can receive free eye care services, such as vision screening and prescription glasses. The initiative has already given away 10,000 pairs of glasses, thus benefiting low-income students whose vision impairment may otherwise affect their ability to learn and excel in school.
While this school-based vision care program aims to manage pediatric myopia, eye care for adults with myopia can be provided by optical retailers that provide essential services both online and in person. A leading optical retailer in the US is LensCrafters, which has multiple branches across Maryland, including Annapolis, Baltimore, and Columbia.
LensCrafters expands access to vision care by offering comprehensive eye exams and prescription glasses in its retail locations. Meanwhile, its website allows customers to schedule eye exam appointments and try on glasses online. Even when residents are busy or live far from the optical store, they can still shop for popular styles from brands like Ray-Ban and Burberry and see how these frames fit them using the virtual try-on tool. When ordering eyewear, they can also choose between having them delivered to their doorstep or picking them up in-store.
Although the aforementioned services demonstrate the increasing accessibility of eye care for children and adults alike, there is still work to be done in meeting the unique needs of Maryland's vision-impaired population. For instance, individuals affected by low vision or blindness need assistive technology in the form of screen readers, dictation software, and Braille keyboards.
On the other hand, residents themselves must also invest in preventative eye care to preserve their vision in the long term. Such preventative measures include eating a balanced diet, which not only helps with weight management, mental clarity, and improved energy levels but also promotes eye health through protective nutrients like zinc, lutein, and vitamins A, C, and E.
Overall, improving eye health outcomes in Maryland and the rest of the country involves a concerted effort between health departments, optical companies, and individuals themselves.