Codes and Frequencies
Description
For persons who did not refuse to complete the assistive devices supplement in 1990, sample adults in 2002 aged 18 and older who have trouble seeing even when wearing glasses or who had diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration in the past 12 months, and for sample adults 18 and older who have trouble seeing in 2008 and 2016, VDEVICE indicates if the person uses an adaptive device for vision problems, such as magnifiers, talking materials or canes or other special equipment for vision problem.
The Field Representative's Manuals do not state that glasses or contacts should be excluded, and the survey text mentions devices, "such as telescopic or other prescriptive lenses, magnifiers, large print or talking materials, CCTV, white cane, or guide dog."
This variable is included in the Sample Adult Vision Supplement, sponsored by the National Eye Institute.
Comparability
Apart from the change in universe, and the definition of eyeglasses, as discussed above, the 1990 survey allowed proxy reporting of this variable, wherein the sample person answered this question for other family members. Generally, self report is more accurate than proxy report, but the visibility of adaptive devices to other family members would seem to increase the accuracy of proxy report. Please see the Universe tab for changes in the universe over time.
Universe
- 1990: Persons who did not refuse to complete assistive devices supplement.
- 2002: Sample adults age 18+ who have trouble seeing even when wearing glasses or who have had diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration in the past 12 months.
- 2008; 2016 2017: Sample adults 18+ who have trouble seeing.
Availability
- 1990, 2002, 2008, 2016-2017
Weights
- 2002, 2008, 2016-2017 : SAMPWEIGHT
- 1990 : SUPP2WT
