The analysis of blindness and low vision by routine physical examination in the elderly / 中华老年医学杂志

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo investigate the visual condition and causes of blindness and low vision of ov er 60 years old people found by routine physical examination. Methods A total of 892 cases over 60 years old people took a yearly routine examinatio n, such as far and near vision in daily life, anterior segment and fundus of the eye and intraocular pressure. If the vision were under 0 3, the refractive vis ion needs to be corrected. The blindness and low vision patients were selected a nd taken further related examinations to analyse statistically the causes of bli ndness. Results Among 892 cases investigated, blindness together with low vision were 42 cases (4 71%). The morbidity rate of blindness and low vision were 1 01% (9 cases) a nd 3 70% (33 cases) respectively. Diseases caused blindness were macular lesio ns (57 14%), glaucoma(11 91%), cataract (9 52%), retinal diseases, optic nerv e atrophy, keratopathy etc. Refractory eye diseases were obviously more than t he eye diseases which can be treated. The morbidity rate of over 80 years old pe ople were obviously more than that of under 80 years group. Conclusions With ageing, the old people easily suffer from eye diseases and results in bli ndness. For the prevention and treatment of blindness for the elderly, much atte ntion to treatment of eye diseases should not only paid, active training is also important.