Cohort profile: Shahroud Eye Cohort Study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The Middle East faces a growing burden of visual impairment.
• Understanding the prevalence and incidence of eye conditions is vital for public health planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and incidence of visual impairment and major eye conditions.
• To establish baseline data for the 40-64-year-old population in Shahroud, Iran.
• To provide insights into eye health within a Middle Eastern demographic.

Main Methods:

• Random cluster sampling of 6311 inhabitants in Shahroud.
• Ophthalmologic examinations and interviews collected demographic, medical, and ophthalmic data.
• Comprehensive eye assessments included visual acuity, refraction, intraocular pressure, fundoscopy, and ocular biometry.

Main Results:

• Phase 1 involved 5190 participants with an 82.2% participation rate.
• Detailed data on demographics, medical history, and extensive eye examinations were collected.
• Biological samples (DNA, plasma, blood) were obtained for further analysis.

Conclusions:

• The Shahroud Eye Cohort Study established a valuable dataset on eye health in the region.
• Data are available for collaborative research to advance understanding of visual impairment.
• This study serves as a foundation for future epidemiological research on eye diseases.