Prevalence and causes of vision loss in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2015: magnitude, temporal trends and projections.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence and causes of blindness and vision impairment for distance and near in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) in 2015 and to forecast trends to 2020. METHODS: A meta-analysis from a global systematic review of 283 cross-sectional, population-representative studies from published and unpublished sources from 1980 to 2014 in the Global Vision Database included 17 published and 6 unpublished studies from LAC. RESULTS: In 2015, across LAC, age-standardised prevalence was 0.38% in all ages and 1.56% in those over age 50 for blindness; 2.06% in all ages and 7.86% in those over age 50 for moderate and severe vision impairment (MSVI); 1.89% in all ages and 6.93% in those over age 50 for mild vision impairment and 39.59% in all ages and 45.27% in those over 50 for near vision impairment (NVI). In 2015, 117.86 million persons were vision impaired; of those 2.34 million blind, 12.46 million with MSVI, 11.34 million mildly impaired and 91.72 million had NVI. Cataract is the most common cause of blindness. Undercorrected refractive-error is the most common cause of vision impairment. CONCLUSIONS: These prevalence estimates indicate that one in five persons across LAC had some degree of vision loss in 2015. We predict that from 2015 to 2020, the absolute numbers of persons with vision loss will increase by 12% to 132.33 million, while the all-age age-standardised prevalence will decrease for blindness by 15% and for other distance vision impairment by 8%. All countries need epidemiologic research to establish accurate national estimates and trends. Universal eye health services must be included in universal health coverage reforms to address disparities, fragmentation and segmentation of healthcare.

Prevalence of refractive error and spectacle coverage in schoolchildren in two urban areas of Chile

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To assess the impact of efforts to reduce visual impairment by detecting and treating refractive errors (REs) among schoolchildren in two urban areas of Chile. Methods. In 2013, in the communities of Concepción and La Florida, we conducted a multicenter, multistage-sampling, cross-sectional study employing methods used by the Refractive Error Study in Children (RESC) survey. Best-corrected visual acuity was assessed using pinhole, with and without glasses. The coverage for correcting visual impairment due to refractive error was estimated. Results. We examined 5 412 schoolchildren, in the communities of Concepción (n = 3 049) and La Florida (n = 2 363). Uncorrected visual acuity (VA) of > 0.63 in at least one eye was found in 4 721 children (87.23%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 86.58%–88.30%). Of the remaining children, 1 017 of them (18.79%; 95% CI: 17.78%–19.80%) had a VA of < 0.5 in at least one eye. Of the 691 children with uncorrected visual impairment with both eyes open (12.77%; 95% CI: 11.9%–13.64%), 476 of them (8.76%; 95% CI: 8.03%–9.49%) achieved normal vision using best possible correction, and with 271 of the 476 (56.93%) having a normal presenting VA in the better eye. Conclusions. We found an increased coverage of services for RE-associated visual impairment and an increased percentage of children wearing glasses as compared to values reported for La Florida in an article published in 2000. The National Board of School Aid and Scholarships (JUNAEB) in Chile is achieving better results in its schoolchildren eye care program.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Evaluar la repercusión de las medidas para reducir la deficiencia visual mediante la detección y el tratamiento de los errores refractivos en escolares de dos zonas urbanas de Chile. Métodos. En el 2013, en las comunas de Concepción y La Florida, realizamos un estudio transversal multicéntrico, con muestreo en varias etapas, con los métodos del estudio de error refractivo en niños conocido como RESC por su sigla en inglés. La agudeza visual mejor corregida se evaluó con un agujero estenopeico, con y sin lentes. Se calculó la cobertura de la corrección de las deficiencias visuales secundarias a errores de refracción. Resultados. Examinamos a 5 412 escolares en las comunidades de Concepción (n = 3 049) y La Florida (n = 2 363). Se encontró una agudeza visual sin corrección >0,63 cuando menos en un ojo en 4 721 niños (87,23%; intervalo de confianza de 95% [IC]: 86,58%–88,30%). De los niños restantes, 1 017 (18,79%; IC de 95%: 17,78%–19,80%) tenían una agudeza visual <0,5 cuando menos en un ojo. De los 691 niños con deficiencia visual sin corrección con ambos ojos abiertos (12,77%; IC de 95%: 11,9%–13,64%), 476 niños lograron la visión normal con la mejor corrección posible (8,76%; IC de 95%: 8,03%–9,49%); 271 de estos 476 (56,93%) tenían agudeza visual normal en el ojo mejor al inicio. Conclusiones. Encontramos una mayor cobertura de los servicios para la deficiencia visual secundaria a errores refractivos y un mayor porcentaje de niños que usaban lentes en comparación con los valores notificados para La Florida en un artículo publicado en el 2000. La Junta Nacional de Auxilio Escolar y Becas (JUNAEB) de Chile está logrando mejores resultados en su programa de atención oftalmológica para los escolares.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Avaliar o impacto dos esforços para reduzir a baixa visão ao detectar e tratar erros de refração em escolares em duas áreas urbanas do Chile. Métodos. Foi realizado um estudo transversal multicêntrico com amostragem em múltiplos estágios, com a aplicação da metodologia do Estudo de erros de refração em crianças (RESC), nas comunidades de Concepción e La Florida em 2013. A melhor acuidade visual corrigida foi avaliada com fenda estenopeica, com e sem óculos. Foi estimada a cobertura para corrigir a visão por erros de refração. Resultados. Foram examinados 5.412 escolares nas comunidades de Concepción (n = 3.049) e La Florida (n = 2.363). Acuidade visual (AV) não corrigida >0,63 em pelo menos um olho foi observada em 4.721 crianças (87,23%; intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC]: 86,58%–88,30%). Do restante, 1.017 crianças (18,79%; IC de 95%: 17,78%–19,80%) apresentaram AV <0,5 em pelo menos um olho. Das 691 crianças com baixa visão não corrigida medida com ambos os olhos abertos (12,77%; IC de 95%: 11,9%–13,64%), 476 (8,76%; IC de 95%: 8,03%–9,49%) atingiram visão normal com a melhor correção visual possível e, destas, 271 (56,93%) tiveram AV normal no melhor olho. Conclusões. Foi observado um aumento da cobertura dos serviços para baixa visão associada a erros de refração e um aumento na porcentagem de crianças usando óculos quando comparado aos dados informados na comunidade La Florida em artigo publicado em 2000. A comissão nacional chilena de auxílio escolar e bolsas de estudos (JUNAEB) está conseguindo obter resultados melhores com o programa de atenção à saúde ocular de escolares.

Prevalence of refractive error and spectacle coverage in schoolchildren in two urban areas of Chile.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of efforts to reduce visual impairment by detecting and treating refractive errors (REs) among schoolchildren in two urban areas of Chile. METHODS: In 2013, in the communities of Concepción and La Florida, we conducted a multicenter, multistage-sampling, cross-sectional study employing methods used by the Refractive Error Study in Children (RESC) survey. Best-corrected visual acuity was assessed using pinhole, with and without glasses. The coverage for correcting visual impairment due to refractive error was estimated. RESULTS: We examined 5 412 schoolchildren, in the communities of Concepción (n = 3 049) and La Florida (n = 2 363). Uncorrected visual acuity (VA) of > 0.63 in at least one eye was found in 4 721 children (87.23%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 86.58%-88.30%). Of the remaining children, 1 017 of them (18.79%; 95% CI: 17.78%-19.80%) had a VA of < 0.5 in at least one eye. Of the 691 children with uncorrected visual impairment with both eyes open (12.77%; 95% CI: 11.9%-13.64%), 476 of them (8.76%; 95% CI: 8.03%-9.49%) achieved normal vision using best possible correction, and with 271 of the 476 (56.93%) having a normal presenting VA in the better eye. CONCLUSIONS: We found an increased coverage of services for RE-associated visual impairment and an increased percentage of children wearing glasses as compared to values reported for La Florida in an article published in 2000. The National Board of School Aid and Scholarships (JUNAEB) in Chile is achieving better results in its schoolchildren eye care program.

Prevalence of refractive error and spectacle coverage in schoolchildren in two urban areas of Chile / Prevalencia de los errores refractivos y cobertura del uso de lentes en escolares de dos zonas urbanas de Chile / Prevalência de erros de refração e cobertura de óculos em escolares em duas áreas urbanas do Chile

ABSTRACT Objective. To assess the impact of efforts to reduce visual impairment by detecting and treating refractive errors (REs) among schoolchildren in two urban areas of Chile. Methods. In 2013, in the communities of Concepción and La Florida, we conducted a multicenter, multistage-sampling, cross-sectional study employing methods used by the Refractive Error Study in Children (RESC) survey. Best-corrected visual acuity was assessed using pinhole, with and without glasses. The coverage for correcting visual impairment due to refractive error was estimated. Results. We examined 5 412 schoolchildren, in the communities of Concepción (n = 3 049) and La Florida (n = 2 363). Uncorrected visual acuity (VA) of > 0.63 in at least one eye was found in 4 721 children (87.23%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 86.58%-88.30%). Of the remaining children, 1 017 of them (18.79%; 95% CI: 17.78%-19.80%) had a VA of < 0.5 in at least one eye. Of the 691 children with uncorrected visual impairment with both eyes open (12.77%; 95% CI: 11.9%-13.64%), 476 of them (8.76%; 95% CI: 8.03%-9.49%) achieved normal vision using best possible correction, and with 271 of the 476 (56.93%) having a normal presenting VA in the better eye. Conclusions. We found an increased coverage of services for RE-associated visual impairment and an increased percentage of children wearing glasses as compared to values reported for La Florida in an article published in 2000. The National Board of School Aid and Scholarships (JUNAEB) in Chile is achieving better results in its schoolchildren eye care program.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Evaluar la repercusión de las medidas para reducir la deficiencia visual mediante la detección y el tratamiento de los errores refractivos en escolares de dos zonas urbanas de Chile. Métodos. En el 2013, en las comunas de Concepción y La Florida, realizamos un estudio transversal multicéntrico, con muestreo en varias etapas, con los métodos del estudio de error refractivo en niños conocido como RESC por su sigla en inglés. La agudeza visual mejor corregida se evaluó con un agujero estenopeico, con y sin lentes. Se calculó la cobertura de la corrección de las deficiencias visuales secundarias a errores de refracción. Resultados. Examinamos a 5 412 escolares en las comunidades de Concepción (n = 3 049) y La Florida (n = 2 363). Se encontró una agudeza visual sin corrección >0,63 cuando menos en un ojo en 4 721 niños (87,23%; intervalo de confianza de 95% [IC]: 86,58%-88,30%). De los niños restantes, 1 017 (18,79%; IC de 95%: 17,78%-19,80%) tenían una agudeza visual <0,5 cuando menos en un ojo. De los 691 niños con deficiencia visual sin corrección con ambos ojos abiertos (12,77%; IC de 95%: 11,9%-13,64%), 476 niños lograron la visión normal con la mejor corrección posible (8,76%; IC de 95%: 8,03%-9,49%); 271 de estos 476 (56,93%) tenían agudeza visual normal en el ojo mejor al inicio. Conclusiones. Encontramos una mayor cobertura de los servicios para la deficiencia visual secundaria a errores refractivos y un mayor porcentaje de niños que usaban lentes en comparación con los valores notificados para La Florida en un artículo publicado en el 2000. La Junta Nacional de Auxilio Escolar y Becas (JUNAEB) de Chile está logrando mejores resultados en su programa de atención oftalmológica para los escolares.

RESUMO Objetivo. Avaliar o impacto dos esforços para reduzir a baixa visão ao detectar e tratar erros de refração em escolares em duas áreas urbanas do Chile. Métodos. Foi realizado um estudo transversal multicêntrico com amostragem em múltiplos estágios, com a aplicação da metodologia do Estudo de erros de refração em crianças (RESC), nas comunidades de Concepción e La Florida em 2013. A melhor acuidade visual corrigida foi avaliada com fenda estenopeica, com e sem óculos. Foi estimada a cobertura para corrigir a visão por erros de refração. Resultados. Foram examinados 5.412 escolares nas comunidades de Concepción (n = 3.049) e La Florida (n = 2.363). Acuidade visual (AV) não corrigida >0,63 em pelo menos um olho foi observada em 4.721 crianças (87,23%; intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC]: 86,58%-88,30%). Do restante, 1.017 crianças (18,79%; IC de 95%: 17,78%-19,80%) apresentaram AV <0,5 em pelo menos um olho. Das 691 crianças com baixa visão não corrigida medida com ambos os olhos abertos (12,77%; IC de 95%: 11,9%-13,64%), 476 (8,76%; IC de 95%: 8,03%-9,49%) atingiram visão normal com a melhor correção visual possível e, destas, 271 (56,93%) tiveram AV normal no melhor olho. Conclusões. Foi observado um aumento da cobertura dos serviços para baixa visão associada a erros de refração e um aumento na porcentagem de crianças usando óculos quando comparado aos dados informados na comunidade La Florida em artigo publicado em 2000. A comissão nacional chilena de auxílio escolar e bolsas de estudos (JUNAEB) está conseguindo obter resultados melhores com o programa de atenção à saúde ocular de escolares.

Global Estimates on the Number of People Blind or Visually Impaired by Diabetic Retinopathy: A Meta-analysis From 1990 to 2010.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate global and regional trends from 1990 to 2010 of the prevalence and number of persons visually impaired specifically by diabetic retinopathy (DR), as a complication of the precipitous trends in global diabetes, is fundamental for health planning purposes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The meta-analysis of published population studies from 1990 to 2012 for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2010 (GBD) yielded estimated global regional trends in DR among other causes of moderate and severe vision impairment (MSVI; presenting visual acuity <6/18, ≥3/60) and blindness (presenting visual acuity <3/60). RESULTS: Globally in 2010, out of overall 32.4 million blind and 191 million visually impaired people, 0.8 million were blind and 3.7 million were visually impaired because of DR, with an alarming increase of 27% and 64%, respectively, spanning the two decades from 1990 to 2010. DR accounted for 2.6% of all blindness in 2010 and 1.9% of all MSVI worldwide, increasing from 2.1% and 1.3%, respectively, in 1990. These figures were lower in regions with younger populations (<2% in East and Southeast Asia and Oceania) than in high-income regions (North America, Western Europe, and Australasia) with relatively aging populations (>4%). CONCLUSIONS: The number of persons with visual impairment due to DR worldwide is rising and represents an increasing proportion of all blindness/MSVI causes. Age-standardized prevalence of DR-related blindness/MSVI was higher in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. One out of 39 blind people had blindness due to DR, and 1 out of 52 visually impaired people had visual impairment due to DR.

The Global Burden of Cancer 2013.

IMPORTANCE: Cancer is among the leading causes of death worldwide. Current estimates of cancer burden in individual countries and regions are necessary to inform local cancer control strategies. OBJECTIVE: To estimate mortality, incidence, years lived with disability (YLDs), years of life lost (YLLs), and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) for 28 cancers in 188 countries by sex from 1990 to 2013. EVIDENCE REVIEW: The general methodology of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2013 study was used. Cancer registries were the source for cancer incidence data as well as mortality incidence (MI) ratios. Sources for cause of death data include vital registration system data, verbal autopsy studies, and other sources. The MI ratios were used to transform incidence data to mortality estimates and cause of death estimates to incidence estimates. Cancer prevalence was estimated using MI ratios as surrogates for survival data; YLDs were calculated by multiplying prevalence estimates with disability weights, which were derived from population-based surveys; YLLs were computed by multiplying the number of estimated cancer deaths at each age with a reference life expectancy; and DALYs were calculated as the sum of YLDs and YLLs. FINDINGS: In 2013 there were 14.9 million incident cancer cases, 8.2 million deaths, and 196.3 million DALYs. Prostate cancer was the leading cause for cancer incidence (1.4 million) for men and breast cancer for women (1.8 million). Tracheal, bronchus, and lung (TBL) cancer was the leading cause for cancer death in men and women, with 1.6 million deaths. For men, TBL cancer was the leading cause of DALYs (24.9 million). For women, breast cancer was the leading cause of DALYs (13.1 million). Age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) per 100 000 and age-standardized death rates (ASDRs) per 100 000 for both sexes in 2013 were higher in developing vs developed countries for stomach cancer (ASIR, 17 vs 14; ASDR, 15 vs 11), liver cancer (ASIR, 15 vs 7; ASDR, 16 vs 7), esophageal cancer (ASIR, 9 vs 4; ASDR, 9 vs 4), cervical cancer (ASIR, 8 vs 5; ASDR, 4 vs 2), lip and oral cavity cancer (ASIR, 7 vs 6; ASDR, 2 vs 2), and nasopharyngeal cancer (ASIR, 1.5 vs 0.4; ASDR, 1.2 vs 0.3). Between 1990 and 2013, ASIRs for all cancers combined (except nonmelanoma skin cancer and Kaposi sarcoma) increased by more than 10% in 113 countries and decreased by more than 10% in 12 of 188 countries. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Cancer poses a major threat to public health worldwide, and incidence rates have increased in most countries since 1990. The trend is a particular threat to developing nations with health systems that are ill-equipped to deal with complex and expensive cancer treatments. The annual update on the Global Burden of Cancer will provide all stakeholders with timely estimates to guide policy efforts in cancer prevention, screening, treatment, and palliation.

Prevalence of visual impairment in El Salvador: inequalities in educational level and occupational status / Prevalencia de deficiencia visual en El Salvador: desigualdades según el nivel educativo y la situación laboral

OBJECTIVE: To examine the prevalence of blindness, visual impairment, and related eye diseases and conditions among adults in El Salvador, and to explore socioeconomic inequalities in their prevalence by education level and occupational status, stratified by sex. METHODS: Based upon the Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) methodology, this nationwide sample comprised 3 800 participants (3 399 examined) ≥ 50 years old from 76 randomly selected clusters of 50 persons each. The prevalence of blindness, visual impairment and related eye diseases and conditions, including uncorrected refractive error (URE), was calculated for categories of education level and occupational status. Multiple logistic regression models were fitted to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and stratified by sex. RESULTS: Age-adjusted prevalence was 2.4% (95% CI: 2.2-2.6) for blindness (men: 2.8% (95% CI: 2.5-3.1); women: 2.2% (95% CI: 1.9-2.5)) and 11.8% (95% CI: 11.6-12.0) for moderate visual impairment (men: 10.8% (95% CI: 10.5-11.1); women: 12.6% (95% CI: 12.4-12.8)). The proportion of visual impairment due to cataract was 43.8% in men and 33.5% in women. Inverse gradients of socioeconomic inequalities were observed in the prevalence of visual impairment. For example, the age-adjusted OR (AOR) was 3.4 (95% CI: 2.0-6.4) for visual impairment and 4.3 (95% CI: 2.1-10.4) for related URE in illiterate women compared to those with secondary education, and 1.9 (95% CI: 1.1-3.1) in cataract in unemployed men. CONCLUSIONS: Blindness and visual impairment prevalence is high in the El Salvador adult population. The main associated conditions are cataract and URE, two treatable conditions. As socioeconomic and gender inequalities in ocular health may herald discrimination and important barriers to accessing affordable, good-quality, and timely health care services, prioritization of public eye health care and disability policies should be put in place, particularly among women, the unemployed, and uneducated people.

OBJETIVO: Analizar la prevalencia de la ceguera, la deficiencia visual, y las enfermedades y afecciones oculares relacionadas en adultos de El Salvador, y explorar las desigualdades socioeconómicas en cuanto a su prevalencia según el nivel educativo y la situación laboral, estratificados por sexos. MÉTODOS: Se adoptó el método de Evaluación Rápida de la Ceguera Evitable, y se escogió una muestra a escala nacional de 3 800 participantes (de ellos se examinaron 3 399) de 50 años de edad o mayores, pertenecientes a 76 agrupamientos seleccionados aleatoriamente y constituidos por 50 personas cada uno. Se calculó la prevalencia de la ceguera, la deficiencia visual y las enfermedades y afecciones oculares relacionadas, incluido el error de refracción no corregido, según las diferentes categorías de nivel educativo y situación laboral. Se emplearon modelos de regresión logística múltiple para calcular las razones de posibilidades (OR) y los intervalos de confianza (IC) de 95%, y se estratificaron por sexos. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia ajustada por edad fue de 2,4% (IC de 95%: 2,2-2,6) para la ceguera (hombres: 2,8% [IC de 95%: 2,5-3,1]; mujeres: 2,2% [IC de 95%: 1,9-2,5]) y de 11,8% (IC de 95%: 11,6-12,0) para la deficiencia visual moderada (hombres: 10,8% [IC de 95%: 10,5-11,1]; mujeres: 12,6% [IC de 95%: 12,4-12,8]). La proporción de deficiencias visuales debidas a catarata fue de 43,8% en los hombres y de 33,5% en las mujeres. En la prevalencia de la deficiencia visual se observaron gradientes inversos de desigualdades socioeconómicas. Por ejemplo, la OR ajustada por edad fue de 3,4 (IC de 95%: 2,0-6,4) para la deficiencia visual y de 4,3 (IC de 95%: 2,1-10,4) para el error de refracción no corregido relacionado en las mujeres analfabetas, en comparación con las que tenían un nivel de educación secundaria, y fue de 1,9 (IC de 95%: 1,1-3,1) para la catarata en los hombres desempleados. CONCLUSIONES: La prevalencia de ceguera y deficiencia visual es alta en la población adulta de El Salvador. Las principales afecciones asociadas son la catarata y el error de refracción no corregido, ambas tratables. Puesto que las desigualdades socioeconómicas y de género en materia de salud ocular pueden ser indicativas de discriminación y de la existencia de barreras importantes para obtener acceso a servicios de atención de salud asequibles, de buena calidad y oportunos, es preciso dar prioridad a la atención oftalmológica pública y a las políticas dirigidas a corregir la discapacidad, en particular en las mujeres y en las personas desempleadas y sin formación.

Prevalence and causes of vision loss in Latin America and the Caribbean: 1990-2010.

OBJECTIVE: To present regional estimates of the magnitude and temporal trends in the prevalence and causes of blindness and moderate/severe visual impairment (MSVI) in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). METHODS: A systematic review of cross-sectional population-representative data from published literature and unpublished studies was accessed and extracted to model the estimated prevalence of vision loss by region, country and globally, and the attributable cause fraction by region. RESULTS: In the LAC combined region, estimated all-age both-gender age-standardised prevalence of blindness halved from 0.8% (0.6 to 1.1) in 1990 to 0.4% (0.4 to 0.6) in 2010 and MSVI decreased from 4.3% (3.1 to 5.3) to 2.7% (2.2 to 3.4). In the Caribbean, estimated all-age both-gender age-standardised prevalence of blindness decreased from 0.6% (0.4 to 0.8) in 1990 to 0.5% (0.4 to 0.6) in 2010 and MSVI decreased from 3.3% (1.3 to 4.1) in 1990 to 2.9% (1.8 to 3.8). In the LAC regions combined, there was an estimated 2.3 million blind and 14.1 million with MSVI in 2010. In 2010, cataract continues to contribute the largest proportion of blindness, except in Southern Latin America where macular degeneration is most common. In 2010, uncorrected refractive error was the most common cause of MSVI. CONCLUSIONS: While models suggest a decrease in age-standardised prevalence estimates, better data are needed to evaluate the disparities in the region. The increasing numbers of older people, coupled with the increase in vision loss associated with older age, will require further intervention to continue to reduce prevalence rates and to prevent a rise in absolute numbers of blind.

Prevalence and causes of vision loss in sub-Saharan Africa: 1990-2010.

AIM: To estimate the magnitude, temporal trends and subregional variation in the prevalence of blindness, and moderate/severe vision impairment (MSVI) in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted of published and unpublished population-based surveys as part of the Global Burden of Disease, Risk Factors and Injuries Study 2010. The prevalence of blindness and vision impairment by country and subregion was estimated. RESULTS: In sub-Saharan Africa, 52 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. The estimated age-standardised prevalence of blindness decreased by 32% from 1.9% (95% CI 1.5% to 2.2%) in 1990 to 1.3% (95% CI 1.1% to 1.5%) in 2010 and MSVI by 25% from 5.3% (95% CI 0.2% to 0.3%) to 4.0% (95% CI 0.2% to 0.3%) over that time. However, there was a 16% increase in the absolute numbers with blindness and a 28% increase in those with MSVI. The major causes of blindness in 2010 were; cataract 35%, other/unidentified causes 33.1%, refractive error 13.2%, macular degeneration 6.3%, trachoma 5.2%, glaucoma 4.4% and diabetic retinopathy 2.8%. In 2010, age-standardised prevalence of MSVI in Africa was 3.8% (95% CI 3.1% to 4.7%) for men and 4.2% (95% CI 3.6% to 5.3%) for women with subregional variations from 4.1% (95% CI 3.3% to 5.4%) in West Africa to 2.0% (95% CI 1.5% to 3.3%) in southern Africa for men; and 4.7% (95% CI 3.9% to 6.0%) in West Africa to 2.3% (95% CI 1.7% to 3.8%) in southern Africa for women. CONCLUSIONS: The age-standardised prevalence of blindness and MSVI decreased substantially from 1990 to 2010, although there was a moderate increase in the absolute numbers with blindness or MSVI. Significant subregional and gender disparities exist.

Prevalence of visual impairment in El Salvador: inequalities in educational level and occupational status.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the prevalence of blindness, visual impairment, and related eye diseases and conditions among adults in El Salvador, and to explore socioeconomic inequalities in their prevalence by education level and occupational status, stratified by sex. METHODS: Based upon the Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) methodology, this nationwide sample comprised 3 800 participants (3 399 examined) ≥ 50 years old from 76 randomly selected clusters of 50 persons each. The prevalence of blindness, visual impairment and related eye diseases and conditions, including uncorrected refractive error (URE), was calculated for categories of education level and occupational status. Multiple logistic regression models were fitted to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and stratified by sex. RESULTS: Age-adjusted prevalence was 2.4% (95% CI: 2.2-2.6) for blindness (men: 2.8% (95% CI: 2.5-3.1); women: 2.2% (95% CI: 1.9-2.5)) and 11.8% (95% CI: 11.6-12.0) for moderate visual impairment (men: 10.8% (95% CI: 10.5-11.1); women: 12.6% (95% CI: 12.4-12.8)). The proportion of visual impairment due to cataract was 43.8% in men and 33.5% in women. Inverse gradients of socioeconomic inequalities were observed in the prevalence of visual impairment. For example, the age-adjusted OR (AOR) was 3.4 (95% CI: 2.0-6.4) for visual impairment and 4.3 (95% CI: 2.1-10.4) for related URE in illiterate women compared to those with secondary education, and 1.9 (95% CI: 1.1-3.1) in cataract in unemployed men. CONCLUSIONS: Blindness and visual impairment prevalence is high in the El Salvador adult population. The main associated conditions are cataract and URE, two treatable conditions. As socioeconomic and gender inequalities in ocular health may herald discrimination and important barriers to accessing affordable, good-quality, and timely health care services, prioritization of public eye health care and disability policies should be put in place, particularly among women, the unemployed, and uneducated people.