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eye disease in canada: stats, impact and resources

the leading causes of blindness in canada are age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and glaucoma.

by karen hawthorne
published jul 31, 2024
read time 8 minute read
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read time 8 minute read
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a 2023 survey showed that over one-third of canadians would book an eye exam only if they had noticed vision problems. however, catching eye diseases early through a comprehensive exam allows for preventative steps. getty images
losing your sight slowly over time changes how you live. can you read and watch tv or enjoy facetime with your family? or safely make your meals and navigate your neighbourhood? fighting blindness canada, the largest charitable organization in the country, has a 50-year-history of helping fund eye disease research and support people affected by vision loss. the group has looked at the impact on individuals and society, identifying the myriad challenges of things like isolation, employment barriers and financial stresses of treatment and assistive devices. the leading causes of blindness in canada are age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and glaucoma.
the most common eye disease is age-related macular degeneration. aging causes damage to the macula that controls sharp, straight-ahead vision. brought on by diabetes, diabetic retinopathy is the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina (the light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of your eye).
other significant eye diseases are cataracts, where proteins and fibres in the lens break down from aging or injury so your vision clouds, and glaucoma, a group of diseases, where the optic nerve in the back of eye is damaged. a major risk factor for glaucoma is eye pressure; when your eye’s drainage system isn’t working properly, the resulting fluid buildup causes excess pressure.

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eye disease stats in canada

there are more than two million canadians living with vision disability. the major risk factors are aging, genetics and ethnicity. with canada’s aging population and large immigrant population, that two million number is projected to double over the next 25 years, leading to national healthcare costs of over $30 billion per year, according to fighting blindness canada.
black patients, as one high-risk example, were found to be six times more likely to have advanced vision loss after a new diagnosis of primary glaucoma when compared to white patients, a 2022 study by mount sinai in new york revealed.
recognizing the looming burden of eye disease in canada, the canadian council of the blind partnered with fighting blindness canada and worked with deloitte access economics to develop an estimate of the current social and economic cost of vision loss in 2019, releasing an in-depth report in may 2021.
the report underlines the urgent need for regular eye examinations for early diagnosis and treatment. more than eight million canadians may be living with eye disease that could lead to blindness, but they may not be aware they even have the condition.
key findings include the following:
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  • the prevalence of vision loss and blindness in canada is estimated to be 1.2 million people in 2019, or 3.2 per cent of the canadian population. this represents a 46.8 per cent increase over the past 12 years since a previous study spearheaded by the council.
  • approximately 10 per cent of all pre-school children have vision deficiencies, many of which could be diagnosed early and subsequent vision loss could be prevented through eye exams and treatment early in the child’s life.
  • an estimated 1,292 deaths in canada in 2019 were linked to vision loss and blindness, from factors such as isolation and increased risk of falls.
  • age-related macular degeneration (amd) affects an estimated 2.5 million canadians, with risk heightened as you age, if you have a family history, or if you’re caucasian. smoking is a modifiable risk factor. there are two types, dry amd and wet amd, with no approved treatments for the dry form, a formulation of vitamins helps reduce the progression of the wet form (the form that rapidly leads to vision loss).
  • cataracts impact about 3.7 million canadians. they can be removed and vision restored by a lens implant, which is one of the most common surgeries in canada, with wait times upwards of 112 days, says the canadian institute for health information. smoking and alcohol consumption are risk factors, along with exposure to uv rays.
  • about one million canadian live with diabetic retinopathy. everyone with diabetes is at risk, elevated by high blood sugar levels, high body mass index, hypertension and smoking.
  • an estimated 728,000 canadians have glaucoma. the main treatable risk factor is high pressure within the eye, which can be lowered by eye drops, laser treatment or surgery. it develops slowly over time, with people over 60 at increased risk.
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impact of eye disease on canadian society

vision loss puts people at a serious disadvantage, costing them losses in productivity, social engagement and independence. that disadvantage is often shared by family caregivers or the ever-increasing demand for spaces in senior care residences. in ontario, for example, the average senior will wait 126 days to access long-terms care with some people waiting as long as 2.5 years, notes the ontario long term care association.
when you consider the costs of vision, the impact is far-reaching. falls from vision loss cost healthcare an estimated $105.3 million in 2019, which flags the need for fall reduction programs that address the added complications of vision loss.
what also needs to clarified for the public is that eye disease is not only about seniors. mid-level career individuals in their 40s and 50s are also affected, for instance, impacting their productivity and job advancement. kids’ learning and development can be affected. as the report by deloitte access economics stresses, the costs of vision loss to the canadian population, economy and society extend beyond costs to the healthcare system – and those direct costs to the health system in 2019 were substantial, including $9.5 billion for hospitals and day surgeries and expert services, pharmaceuticals and eyewear.
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in fact, the report notes that direct health systems costs of vision loss are more than those of all cancers, respiratory disorders and endocrine diseases like diabetes.
as the deloitte report adds, “at the individual level, people living with vision loss are impacted financially due to fewer job opportunities, increased absences from work, and reduced productivity at work when they are not fully supported in their roles. the cost of vision loss also extends beyond those living with vision loss, to family, friends, and caregivers, as they provide care for a person living with vision loss. at the economic level, inefficiencies arise from government welfare transfers and financing of services (such as hospitals), which impose losses on society.”
in 2019, deloitte found that other financial and economic costs were estimated at $1.8 billion, including low vision rehabilitation services ($84.9 million) and the cost of vision aids, assistive technology and home modifications ($166.4 million). these devices and home renovations are important for people to age in place and maintain independence.
in addition, the cost of formal care for those with vision loss was about $336.6 million and the cost of aged and home care was $446.8 million, while economic efficiency losses were estimated at $769 million. almost half the other costs are borne by society as a whole (47.4 per cent) while governments bear 27.2 per cent, individuals bear 24.5 per cent, and family and friends bear 0.9 per cent.
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resources and support for eye disease in canada

the main associations representing eye disease are:
reaching out to associations for support and information can be life-changing for patients and their families. associations offer expert help to navigate care, review resources and join peer support groups. services can help people build their mobility, independence and confidence, so they don’t feel alone and vulnerable. vision loss rehabilitation canada, for example, serves people across canada, including rural and remote locations, helping them develop a personalized rehab plan and receive training and support at no cost to the patient.

the future of eye disease in canada

prevention and early detection are the cornerstones of health change, and that is certainly the case for eye disease in canada. stakeholders are calling for greater public awareness of vision loss, its impact and how we all can be more proactive about our eye health.
a 2023 national survey by specsavers and the canadian council of the blind, found that half of canadians don’t know that 75 per cent of vision loss is preventable and treatable, and 51 per cent are unaware or unsure of how often we should get an eye exam. people without pre-existing conditions should get an eye exam at a minimum of every two years, and every year for those under 18 and over 65.
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the survey also showed that over one-third of canadians would book an eye exam only if they had noticed vision problems. however, catching eye diseases early through a comprehensive exam allows for preventative steps. glaucoma, for one, progresses without any symptoms in the early stages.
as jim tokos, national president of the canadian council of the blind, noted in the survey news release, “there is a common myth that if your vision is good then your eyes are healthy. unfortunately, that is not always true … the goal is always to catch eye diseases before eyes start to show symptoms.”
and in may, the canadian ophthalmological society released the results of its survey about the eye health of canadians. the majority, 81 per cent, are concerned or have experienced at least one of these three factors: too much screen time, exposure to uv rays, and environmental hazards like pollution and wildfire smoke.
the survey also revealed that in the past two years, 71 per cent of canadians have experienced one or more of the following symptoms, with screen time identified as the probable cause: dry, itchy eyes, eye strain and headaches, sensitivity to light, blurry vision, redness or swelling of the eyes, excessive tearing, or even seeing halos around lights.
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despite the advances in medical technology and treatment – like the imaging work being done at the new school of optometry and vision science research centre at the university of waterloo and the use of ai for retinal image screening – eye disease in canada poses a sizeable problem. education and awareness of eye health and proactive care are crucial to help reduce the risk of vision loss. the deloitte report recommends federal leadership and agenda-setting to establish policies that address the issue head-on through consistent messages about the risk factors and the importance of regular eye exams.
karen hawthorne
karen hawthorne

karen hawthorne worked for six years as a digital editor for the national post, contributing articles on health, business, culture and travel for affiliated newspapers across canada. she now writes from her home office in toronto and takes breaks to bounce with her son on the backyard trampoline and walk bingo, her bull terrier.

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