[Vision problems causing and not causing visual impairment in a working population of Catalonia]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Occupational Health
• Public Health

Context:

• A cross-sectional study involving 86,831 workers (ages 16-65) in Catalonia, Spain.
• Data collected during 2009 health surveillance exams.
• Focus on visual problems and their impact on visual impairment in the working population.

Purpose:

• To analyze the distribution of visual problems causing and not causing visual impairment.
• To investigate the relationship between visual problems, visual impairment, and social class in workers.
• To identify demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with visual impairment risk.

Summary:

• 2.2% of the active working population experienced vision problems causing visual impairment, even with corrective lenses.
• Workers in the lowest social class (Class V) had a 2.4-fold increased risk of visual impairment compared to the highest social class (Class I), after age adjustment.
• Higher prevalence and risk of visual impairment were observed in women, older workers, and disadvantaged social groups.

Impact:

• Identifies specific demographic (age, sex) and socioeconomic (social class) factors contributing to visual impairment in the workforce.
• Highlights that vision problems not causing impairment are more prevalent among non-manual workers.
• Provides evidence for targeted public health interventions and occupational health strategies to mitigate visual impairment risks.