Clinical Study
Eye (2006) 20, 661–667. doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6701934; published online 27 May 2005
Prevalence of blindness and low vision in an Italian population: a comparison with other European studies
C Cedrone1, C Nucci1, G Scuderi2, F Ricci1, A Cerulli1 and F Culasso3
- 1Physiopathological Optics, Department of Biopathology and Diagnostic Imaging, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
- 2Eye Clinic, Sant'Andrea Hospital, University of Rome 'La Sapienza', Rome, Italy
- 3Medical Statistics, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome 'La Sapienza', Rome, Italy
Correspondence: C Cedrone, Cattedra di Ottica Fisiopatologica, Dipartimento di Biopatologia e Diagnostica per Immagini, Università degli Studi di Roma 'Tor Vergata', Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Roma, Italy. Fax: +39 062026232; E-mail: cedrone@uniroma2.it
Received 1 July 2004; Revised 12 April 2005; Accepted 12 April 2005; Published online 27 May 2005.
Abstract
Aim
The scientific literature contains recent data on the prevalence of blindness and low vision for a few European countries, but most of these studies have been focused exclusively on the elderly sector of the populations. The purpose of the present study was to provide age-specific estimates of the prevalence and causes of visual loss in an Italian population aged 40 years and over.
Methods
In total, 847 of the 1200 citizens >40 years of age (70.6%) in the island community of Ponza underwent complete standardized ophthalmological examinations. Visual acuity (VA) was measured using a standard logarithmic chart. World health organization (WHO) definitions of blindness and low vision were adopted (respectively, VA>1.3 logMAR or a visual field <10° around central fixation, and VA >0.5 to 1.3 logMAR or a visual field <20° around central fixation). Prevalence rates based on presenting VAs were also calculated.
Results
The overall best-corrected prevalence rates were 0.6% (presenting, 0.8%) for better eye blindness, 2.1% (presenting, 6.7%) for better eye low vision, 1.8% (presenting, 2.6%) for monocular blindness, 5.0% (presenting, 11.2%) for monocular low vision. Cataract, glaucoma, degenerative myopia, and AMD were the main causes of better eye visual loss.
Conclusion
Age-specific prevalence rates in Ponza are fairly consistent with those for other European countries with similar socio-economic conditions and public healthcare systems. A substantial percentage of visual losses remains uncorrected despite the availability of potentially curative therapy. Greater emphasis needs to be placed on educating the public regarding the importance of good vision.
Keywords:
blindness, low vision, prevalence, adult
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