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

Abstract

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.

Ocular Findings in a Brazilian Rural Slave-Descendant Community: Eye Health in Quilombos

“…Prevalence of blind people among quilombolas was very elevated (6.7%), higher than the global and Latin American indexes (respectively 1.9% and 1.8%). [28] In Americas, the highest published rates were observed in rural areas from Peru (4.0%) and provinces from Guatemala (3.6%). [29] On the other hand, low vision (8.6%) was below average for the continent and the world (10.4%) [28] but higher than observed in urban areas from Brazil (5.2-6.3%).…”

“…[28] In Americas, the highest published rates were observed in rural areas from Peru (4.0%) and provinces from Guatemala (3.6%). [29] On the other hand, low vision (8.6%) was below average for the continent and the world (10.4%) [28] but higher than observed in urban areas from Brazil (5.2-6.3%). [29,30] Discrepancies between the rates calculated in this study and literature data may be associated with differences in age range (≥40 years for quilombolas versus ≥50 years for the most compatible published global/continental estimates).…”

Unidades de atención primaria en oftalmología en Chile: historia y funciones

“…Se estima que existen alrededor de 32,4 millones de ciegos a nivel mundial, de las cuales 85% serían por causas evitables 1,2 . En Latinoamérica y el Caribe se estimó, para el año 2010, que existían 2,3 millones de ciegos 3 . Además, el creciente envejecimiento de la población anticipa una mayor frecuencia de ceguera por causas prevenibles (catarata, glaucoma, retinopatía diabética, degeneración macular relacionada a la edad, entre otras).…”

La catarata sigue siendo la principal causa de ceguera en economías emergentes, incluyendo México

“…¿Cuánto? Basándonos en los estudios ya mencionados, se calcula que existe un rezago de al menos un millón de ojos por operar, y cada año que demoramos se acumulan aproximadamente un 20% más como resultante de la incidencia 20 . Por si esto fuera poco, el compromiso de reducir la ceguera por catarata se ha vuelto urgente y global.…”