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Global data on visual impairment in the year 2002.

Serge Resnikoff1, Donatella Pascolini, Daniel Etya'ale

  • 1Programme for the Prevention of Blindness and Deafness, World Health Organization, Geneva 1211, Switzerland. resnikoffs@who.int

Bulletin of the World Health Organization
|January 11, 2005
PubMed
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In 2002, over 161 million people had visual impairment, with blindness affecting 37 million. Cataract was the primary cause globally, disproportionately impacting women and older adults in developing regions.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Visual impairment affects millions globally, with significant regional and demographic disparities.
  • Understanding prevalence and causes is crucial for targeted public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To estimate the global prevalence and causes of visual impairment in 2002.
  • To analyze the distribution of visual impairment by region, age, and gender.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from recent studies on low vision and blindness.
  • Applied definitions from the International Statistical Classification of Diseases, Injuries and Causes of Death, 10th Revision (ICD-10).

Main Results:

  • Over 161 million people experienced visual impairment in 2002, including 37 million who were blind.

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  • The least developed regions bore the highest burden, with significant disparities across age groups (≥50 years) and genders (females at higher risk).
  • Cataract was the leading cause globally, followed by glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and trachoma.

    • Conclusions:

    • Visual impairment presents a substantial global health challenge with unequal distribution.
    • Addressing cataract remains a priority, alongside managing other major causes like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration.