A Comprehensive Study on the Prevalence and Determinants of Vision Impairment in the Turkish Population

Abstract

Objective: Vision impairment and eye diseases significantly affect quality of life and present a substantial public health challenge. According to the TUIK and the World Health Organization, a significant portion of the population suffers from preventable or unaddressed visual impairments. Understanding the prevalence, causes, and demographic distribution of these impairments can aid in formulating effective public health strategies. To analyze the prevalence, determinants, and demographic characteristics of individuals with vision impairment in Turkey, using data provided by TUIK. This proposal aims to utilize existing data to provide valuable insights into the public health issue of vision impairment in Turkey and to foster improved outcomes through targeted intervention strategies. Methods: Secure access to TUIK health survey data focusing on vision impairment in the population aged 0–65 years. We collected additional variables that may influence vision health, such as socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, educational level, and urban versus rural residence. We conducted a cross-sectional study using TUIK data from 2019 onwards, including demographic variables (age, sex, education, and income), and correlated them with the incidence and type of vision impairment. Results: Visual impairment affects approximately 1039000 individuals in Turkey, with a prevalence rate of 1.4%. There was a pronounced increase in visual impairment with age, peaking at 46.5% in those aged > 75 years. Females exhibited higher rates of impairment in most age groups. The most common causes of visual impairment include uncorrected refractive errors in children and young adults, glaucoma in adults aged 15-50, and age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy in those aged > 50 years. Conclusion: This study highlights a significant age and sex disparity in the prevalence of visual impairment in Turkey, necessitating age-specific and gender-responsive public health strategies. Prioritizing early screening, access to corrective measures, and managing age-related ocular diseases can address the increasing burden of visual impairment. Interventions should be tailored to mitigate risks and provide equitable healthcare access to improve visual health outcomes in the Turkish population.