Description

VISIONPROB indicates whether the person had trouble seeing, even when wearing glasses or contact lenses. (The phrase "even when wearing glasses or contact lenses" was omitted from the question for children younger than age 2.) Please see Comparability and Universe tabs for information on changes to the universe between samples.

From 1997 forward, if the response to this question was yes, interviewers asked the follow-up question, "[Are/Is] [you/sample child] blind or unable to see at all?" (BLIND).

In 1989, this variable was included in the Diabetes supplement. Respondents were sample persons ages 18 and older who did not have diabetes. A complementary variable is available for all adults who have confirmed diabetes (DIAVISPROB).

Comparability

Along with universe changes, there is a slight differences in question wording between 1989, 1991 and later years. In 1989, interviewers asked "Do you have serious trouble seeing in one or both eyes even when wearing glasses?" In 1991, interviewers asked, "Does [child] have trouble seeing with one or both eyes even when wearing glasses or contact lenses?" Beginning in 1997, the phrase "with one or both eyes" was not part of the question.

Universe

Availability

• 1989, 1991, 1997-2018

Weights

• 1989 : PERWEIGHT
• 1991, 1997-2018 : SAMPWEIGHT