This psychiatric consequence was found especially in an elderly population facing declining ocular health.

Efforts throughout the past three decades have helped, but disparity still exists across different sociodemographic regions.

Experts characterize the rise in cases and differences based on socioeconomic status, education and ethnicity as evidence of failure of policymakers to expand access to care.

Minority status and lower income correlated with higher rates of severe loss. Researchers advocate for public health initiatives and outreach programs aimed at high-risk groups.

The relationship is especially prevalent among minority populations and may be “bidirectional” in nature, with each affecting the other.

Cases of acuity loss or blindness correlated with a relative dearth of eyecare providers and were especially prevalent in populations with a higher rate of poverty.

A recent study found that Medicare beneficiaries with vision and/or hearing issues were less likely to confidently know how to manage their condition.