Visual impairment and spectacle coverage rate in Baoshan district, China: population-based study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Public Health
• Gerontology

Background:

• Investigating visual impairment and spectacle needs in a transitioning suburban senior population in Shanghai.
• Addressing limited data on visual impairment in rapidly urbanizing rural areas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and risk factors of visual impairment due to refractive error.
• To assess the unmet need for spectacles among seniors in Baoshan District, Shanghai.

Main Methods:

• Population-based survey of 4545 individuals aged over 60 in Shanghai (2009).
• Standardized refraction, visual acuity testing (presenting and best corrected visual acuity - BCVA), tonometry, slit lamp biomicroscopy, and fundus photography were performed.

Main Results:

• Prevalence of visual impairment was significant, with substantial improvement after refractive correction.
• Correctable visual impairment affected 13.18% (6/12 cutoff), with higher risk in elderly and women.
• Spectacle coverage was low (44.12%), and a considerable unmet need existed, especially among less educated individuals and those with astigmatism.

Conclusions:

• High rates of visual impairment, correctable vision loss, and low spectacle coverage were found in Shanghai's senior population.
• Public education on regular eye examinations and accessible refraction services are crucial.
• Targeted interventions are needed to address the unmet spectacle needs in this demographic.