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Planning low vision services in India : a population-based perspective.
Rakhi Dandona1, Lalit Dandona, Marmamula Srinivas
1International Centre for Advancement of Rural Eye Care, L. V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India. Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
Ophthalmology
|October 3, 2002
Summary
The prevalence of low vision in southern India is 1.05%, with retinal diseases being the most common cause. This highlights a significant public health issue requiring urgent attention and the development of low vision services.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Low vision presents a significant challenge in India, impacting quality of life and necessitating targeted service planning.
- Understanding the prevalence and etiological factors of low vision is crucial for effective public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and identify the primary causes of low vision in a representative population of southern India.
- To provide data essential for the planning and implementation of low vision services in the region.
Main Methods:
- A population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted involving 10,293 participants across 94 clusters in Andhra Pradesh, India.
- Comprehensive eye examinations were performed, including visual acuity testing, refraction, and specialized assessments like visual fields and fundus photography when indicated.
- Low vision was defined as best-corrected visual acuity <6/18 or a visual field <10 degrees due to untreatable causes.
Main Results:
- The adjusted prevalence of low vision was found to be 1.05% (95% CI: 0.82%-1.28%), affecting an estimated 10.6 million people in India.
- Retinal diseases (35.2%) were the leading cause, followed by amblyopia (25.7%), optic atrophy (14.3%), glaucoma (11.4%), and corneal diseases (8.6%).
- Prevalence increased significantly with age and showed a trend towards higher rates in lower socioeconomic groups.
Conclusions:
- The study reveals a substantial burden of low vision in southern India, underscoring the need for accessible and comprehensive low vision services.
- These findings emphasize the importance of age-specific and socioeconomic considerations in the design of eye care programs.
- Addressing the identified causes, particularly retinal diseases and amblyopia, is critical for mitigating the impact of low vision.