👁️ Low Vision: 16 Eye-Opening Stats That Might Surprise You

🌍 Global Picture

1. 295 million people live with moderate to severe vision impairment that can’t be fixed with glasses. That’s nearly the population of the USA, struggling to see even with correction.

2. 1.1 billion have some form of vision loss.

And this number is expected to soar to 1.7 billion by 2050.

3. A staggering 80% of all vision impairment is preventable or treatable.

This points to gaps in access, awareness, and early detection.

🇬🇧 The UK Perspective

4. 2 million people in the UK live with serious sight loss.

That’s one in every 30 people.

5. By 2050, this number could double to over 4 million.

Driven by aging and chronic disease trends.

6. Only 1 in 3 people with sight loss are officially registered as visually impaired.

Meaning many are missing out on crucial support.

7. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) causes more than half of all visual impairment in the UK.

It’s the #1 cause of low vision in older adults.

💔 The Human Impact

8. People with sight loss are:

• 2x more likely to experience depression.

• 3x more likely to suffer falls or injuries.

9. 75% of adults with sight loss are unemployed.

Not because they can’t work — but because they’re often unsupported or overlooked.

10. Low vision can cut reading speed by up to 80%, even with magnifiers.

🧰 Gaps in Support

11. Only 1 in 4 people who could benefit from low vision aids actually use them.

Lack of access, stigma, or awareness plays a role.

12. Many people wait 2–5 years before seeking help for low vision.

This delay can lead to avoidable decline in mental and physical health.

📈 What’s Changing?

13. The fastest-growing cause of low vision?

Diabetic retinopathy, fueled by global rises in diabetes.

14. Myopia (nearsightedness) is leading to more children experiencing low vision earlier in life.

Especially in urban areas with lots of screen time and limited outdoor play.

🧠 Did You Know?

15. People with vision loss use up to 30% more brain effort to see.

That’s a big reason why many report fatigue and cognitive strain.