The epidemiology of age-related eye diseases in Mainland China.

While many papers have been published regarding age-related eye diseases in Mainland China in the past two decades, the variable quality of those reports limit the conclusions that can be drawn. Many of these studies assessed blindness and low vision rates, and these estimates are likely accurate. However, due to lack of standardization of techniques for assessing cataract, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, estimates of the burden of these diseases on the population are less reliable. Owing to the rapid economic development of China in the last decade, resources to address eyecare problems are more likely to be available. Therefore, an accurate assessment of the burden of various eye diseases is needed in order to improve blindness prevention planning and program development.