When kids are struggling with their eyesight, said Matt Gianino, executive director of the nonprofit GoodVision USA, poor academic performance follows.
"They're less likely to attend school, they're less likely to complete school," he said. "Students with a vision impairment that are unaddressed lose between two and four months of learning every year."
Kentucky ranks among the top states in the nation for the highest rates of vision acuity loss, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2023, the Kentucky Legislature ended vision benefits for adults receiving Medicaid. But research shows every dollar spent or donated for vision care ends up returning $28 in economic benefits.
Gianino said vision problems are the number one unmet disability in the world, but the most solvable. He noted that for many people, a pair of prescription glasses can restore proper vision.
"Between $200 and $500, most people pay for glasses in the U.S.," he said, "and they do the job."
Heavy screen use is worsening both kids and adults’ eye health. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, digital eye strain can cause dry or bloodshot eyes, headaches, and in some cases, watery eyes. Experts recommend reducing glare and brightness, taking regular breaks from screen time, and using artificial tears to help combat dryness.
GoodVision USA contributes to our fund for reporting on health issues.
