Clear Vision, Strong Futures: Protecting Eye Health in Native Communities
By Rex Cropp | Healthy Vision Month – May 2025
Each May, Healthy Vision Month shines a light on the importance of protecting our eyesight. Vision plays a critical role in everything from education to independence, yet many Native American communities face serious barriers to eye health—including limited access to care, high rates of diabetes-related vision loss, and a lack of culturally relevant health education.
The State of Vision in Native Communities
Native Americans experience higher rates of preventable blindness and visual impairment than nearly any other racial or ethnic group in the U.S.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Eye Institute (NEI):
More than 50% of vision loss in Native populations is preventable or treatable
Diabetes-related eye disease is a leading cause of blindness in American Indian and Alaska Native adults
Native Americans are twice as likely as white Americans to develop diabetic retinopathy, a complication that can silently lead to blindness
Refractive errors (like nearsightedness, farsightedness) often go uncorrected in children due to lack of screening and access to glasses
Sources: CDC Vision Health Initiative (2022); NEI National Eye Health Education Program; IHS Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention
Why the Disparity?
Several systemic and health-related issues contribute to vision loss in Native communities:
High rates of diabetes and hypertension, both major risk factors for vision problems
Limited access to optometrists and ophthalmologists on or near reservations
Underfunded Indian Health Service eye care programs
Lack of regular screenings, especially among elders and children
The IHS provides some vision care services, but many tribal areas lack full-time eye specialists. As a result, early-stage diseases go undetected, leading to avoidable vision loss.
Top Causes of Vision Loss in Native Communities
Diabetic Retinopathy
Damage to retinal blood vessels due to chronic high blood sugar
Preventable with screening and glucose control
Glaucoma: Increased eye pressure damaging the optic nerve
Preventable if detected early
Cataracts: Clouding of the eye lens, often related to age or diabetes
Treatable with surgery
Refractive Errors: Nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism
Correctable with glasses
Macular Degeneration: Central vision loss due to aging or vascular changes
Partially manageable
What You Can Do – Action Steps for Clearer Vision
Get an Annual Dilated Eye Exam
A dilated eye exam can detect issues long before symptoms appear—especially critical for those with diabetes or high blood pressure. If you haven’t had an exam in the past year, ask your IHS or tribal health clinic for a referral.
Manage Chronic Conditions
If you have diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol, keeping these under control significantly reduces your risk of vision loss. The IHS Diabetes Program offers free education and screening.
Protect Children's Vision Early
Many Native children go years without vision screening, impacting learning and development. Encourage vision testing during well-child visits, and watch for signs like squinting, sitting close to screens, or headaches.
Eat for Eye Health
Traditional diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids (fish), leafy greens, berries, and nuts provide nutrients like lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin A that support healthy vision.
Wear Sunglasses and Eye Protection
Protect your eyes from UV damage, especially when outdoors or working around dust, wood, or chemicals. UV damage can lead to cataracts and macular degeneration over time.
Let’s Keep Our Vision Strong
Healthy vision is not a luxury, it’s a right. For Native communities, preserving our eyesight means preserving our independence, wisdom, and ability to carry forward cultural traditions. Through regular screenings, diabetes management, and access to culturally informed care, we can see a brighter future for the next seven generations.
Resources for Native Families
IHS Division of Diabetes and Vision Care
https://www.ihs.gov/diabetesCDC Vision Health Initiative
https://www.cdc.gov/visionhealthNational Eye Institute – Eye Health Tips
https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health
Lions Clubs International – Free Vision Screenings and Glasses
https://www.lionsclubs.org
