S Li1, J Xu, M He, K Wu, S R Munoz, L B Ellwein. 1. Zongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Peoples Republic of China.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To assess blindness prevalence and that caused specifically by cataract in rural southern China. DESIGN: Population-based, cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 5342 persons older than 50 years of age. METHODS:Visual acuity and eye examinations were performed in the summer of 1997 in a random sample of villages in Doumen County. Differences in blindness prevalence associated with age, gender, and education were explored using logistic regression. The survey was preceded by a pilot study in which operational methods were refined and quality assurance measures were performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Distance visual acuity and lens status. RESULTS:Bilateral blindness (presenting visual acuity < 0.10) was found in 4.37% (95% confidence interval, 3.67%-5.06%). Blindness was associated with increasing age (P < 0.001) and with the lack of education (P < 0.01). Cataract was the principal cause of blindness in at least one eye in 61.5% of blind people, with refractive error responsible for another 10%. An estimated 40% of the cataract blind were operated on; surgical coverage was lowest among the elderly, women, and those without schooling, although not at statistically significant levels. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the increased attention given to eye care in Doumen County, blindness remains a major public health problem. Cataract surgery is reaching fewer than half of those who could benefit from it.
RCT Entities:
PURPOSE: To assess blindness prevalence and that caused specifically by cataract in rural southern China. DESIGN: Population-based, cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 5342 persons older than 50 years of age. METHODS: Visual acuity and eye examinations were performed in the summer of 1997 in a random sample of villages in Doumen County. Differences in blindness prevalence associated with age, gender, and education were explored using logistic regression. The survey was preceded by a pilot study in which operational methods were refined and quality assurance measures were performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Distance visual acuity and lens status. RESULTS:Bilateral blindness (presenting visual acuity < 0.10) was found in 4.37% (95% confidence interval, 3.67%-5.06%). Blindness was associated with increasing age (P < 0.001) and with the lack of education (P < 0.01). Cataract was the principal cause of blindness in at least one eye in 61.5% of blind people, with refractive error responsible for another 10%. An estimated 40% of the cataract blind were operated on; surgical coverage was lowest among the elderly, women, and those without schooling, although not at statistically significant levels. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the increased attention given to eye care in Doumen County, blindness remains a major public health problem. Cataract surgery is reaching fewer than half of those who could benefit from it.
Authors: K L Bassett; K Noertjojo; L Liu; F S Wang; C Tenzing; A Wilkie; M Santangelo; P Courtright Journal: Br J Ophthalmol Date: 2005-01 Impact factor: 4.638
Authors: Margaret A Chang; Nathan G Congdon; Shawn K Baker; Martin W Bloem; Howard Savage; Alfred Sommer Journal: Int Ophthalmol Date: 2007-08-22 Impact factor: 2.031
Authors: Solange R Salomao; Rafael W Cinoto; Adriana Berezovsky; Arnaud Araujo-Filho; Marcia R K H Mitsuhiro; Luana Mendieta; Paulo H A Morales; Gopal P Pokharel; Rubens Belfort; Leon B Ellwein Journal: Ophthalmic Epidemiol Date: 2008 May-Jun Impact factor: 1.648
Authors: S Dunzhu; F S Wang; P Courtright; L Liu; C Tenzing; K Noertjojo; A Wilkie; M Santangelo; K L Bassett Journal: Br J Ophthalmol Date: 2003-12 Impact factor: 4.638