Current estimates of blindness in India

Abstract

Background: Evidence based planning has been the hallmark of the blindness control programme in India. A nationwide survey was undertaken in 1999-2001 to document the magnitude and causes of blindness. Methods: One district each in 15 populous states was covered. 25 clusters were randomly selected in each district and all individuals aged 50 years and above were enumerated. Presenting and best corrected vision was recorded using retroilluminated logMAR tumbling E charts and detailed eye examination was offered. Results: The response rate was 89.3%. Presenting vision ,6/60, in the better eye, was observed in 8.5% (95% CI: 8.1 to 8.9). Age, sex, residence, literacy, and working status were associated with blindness. The highest risk was among those aged 70+ and the illiterate. Cataract was responsible for 62.4% of bilateral blindness. Prevalence of cataract blindness was 5.3% (95% CI: 4.97 to 5.62). Reduction in blindness prevalence among people aged 50 years and above was observed compared to earlier studies. Conclusion: Blindness control efforts seem to have played a part in arresting the increasing prevalence of blindness in India and there is hope that the goals of the ''Vision 2020-right to sight'' initiative can be achieved if there is strong political will and prioritised action.

Transected Lamellar Cut Following Second Pass with a Femtosecond Laser after Incomplete Flap Construction during Laser In Situ Keratomileusis

“…Many vision threatening complications are related to creation of the flap. Intraoperative flap related complications with microkeratome use are reported to occur in 0.3% [1] to 5% [2] of cases and include: partial flaps, buttonholes, thin, thick, or irregular flaps, free flaps, decentered flaps, irregular flap edges, epithelial abrasions, and flap tears. These complications commonly lead to delayed recovery and in rare cases can cause permanent loss of vision.…”

Comparing Three Post-Op Regiments for Management of Inflammation Post Uncomplicated Cataract Surgery. “Are Steroids Really Necessary?”

“…Acquired cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide [13][14][15][16]. In the United States, cataract is the most common age-related eye disorder affecting approximately 22 million with a projected prevalence increasing to 30.1 million by the year 2020 [17,18].…”

Prevalence of bilateral cataract blindness in persons ≥50 years of age in Pulwama district, Jammu & Kashmir, India

“…Farmers constituted 24.6 percent of study population. 7 in a nation-wide survey estimated the prevalence of blindness in the population above 50 years was 8.5%. The prevalence varied from a low of 4.2% to a high of 13.7% across different districts.…”

“…It also shows the success of public health interventions. 7 The targets of cataract surgery are set keeping in view the prevalence of 8.5. As the prevalence of cataract is 4.16 in district Pulwama, the target of cataract surgery rate must be reviewed and set according to the prevalence rate of 4.16.…”