The Prevalence of Visual Impairment in Older Adults in Mainland China: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Purpose: This paper presents estimates of the prevalence of blindness and low vision among older adults over 50 years of age in mainland China. Methods: All primary reports of population-based studies that reported the prevalence or incidence of visual impairment among older populations in mainland China were identified. Twenty-four population-based studies were included in this systematic review. Blindness is defined as visual acuity of less than 3/60, or a corresponding visual-field loss to less than 10 degrees in the better eye with the best possible correction; low vision is defined as visual acuity of less than 6/18, but equal to or better than 3/60 in the better eye with the best possible correction. The pooled prevalence estimates of blindness and low vision were calculated assuming a random-effects model. Relative odds with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated, stratified by methodological and socioeconomic variables. Results: The overall pooled prevalence of blindness was 1.7% (95% CI 1.4–2.1). The results of the meta-regression showed the significance of a predictor variable: geographic region. The blindness rates per 100 older adults in various regions were 1.4 (0.9–2.0) in East China, and 1.4 (1.0–2.0) in Central China and 2.5 (1.9–3.2) in Western China. The overall pooled prevalence of low vision was 4.1% (3.4–5.1) and the independent pooled prevalence rates stratified by geographic region were 3.6% (2.6–5.1) in East China, 3.6% (2.4–5.2) in Central China and 5.2% (3.6–7.4) in Western China. Conclusions: Blindness or low vision affects approximately 5.8% Chinese adults older than 50 years. The prevalence of visual impairment, and especially blindness, vary greatly by the developmental status of geographic region.

Prevalence and causes of low vision and blindness in Baotou

“…A meta-analysis including 24 population-based studies by Chen et al reported that the prevalence rates of blindness and low vision were 1.7% and 4.1%, respectively, among the older adults over 50 years of age in mainland China till 2010. [8] The studies estimating the prevalence of blindness and low vision in China published from January 2010 to April 2016 were searched and presented in Table 6. [4,9–20] Although the estimating criteria for blindness and low vision differed among studies, Table 6 shows that according to the BCVA in better eye, previous studies reported that the prevalence rates of blindness and low vision were 0.2% to 2.88% and 1.4% to 10.41% in China, respectively.…”

Burden of visual impairment associated with eye diseases: exploratory survey of 298 Chinese patients

“…The prevalence of VI in China is 0.94%, yet, for the people older than 50, this figure rises to 5.8%. In Tibet, one of the highest and harshest human habitations on earth, the prevalence is 13.2% 6–8…”

Comparison of Postoperative Visual Performance Between Bifocal and Trifocal Intraocular Lens Based on Randomized Controlled Trails: A Meta-Analysis

“…Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) showed that cataract accounted for approximately 50% of blindness worldwide [1]. In China, blindness and low vision affects about 5.8% of Chinese aged 50 and above [2]. Given the rapid population aging and high prevalence of age-related cataract (ARC) in China, especially in rural areas [3,4], it is expected that an increasing number of population will suffer from cataract.…”