Changed trends of major causes of visual impairment in Sichuan, China from 1987 to 2006

To study the trends of major causes of visual impairment (VI) in adults in Sichuan, China and evaluate the effect of aging on the trends.

We used data from the National Sample Survey on Disabilities (NSSD) in Sichuan province conducted in 1987 and 2006. The age-adjusted prevalence of major causes of VI and the prevalence stratified by age in each cause were calculated and compared. The association between age and each cause of VI was also analyzed.

Retinal disease increased and became the second leading cause of VI in 2006 while blinding trachoma decreased markedly. Cataract and non-trachomatous corneal diseases were among the leading causes of VI in both years. We found associations between age and causes of VI, with age showing the strongest association with cataract and relatively lower associations with other causes.

In the last two decades, dramatic changes occurred in the major causes of VI with significantly increased retinal disease and decreased blinding trachoma. Aging of the population might be an important factor accounting for the changed trends of VI. Understanding the prevalence of VI, its major causes and trends over time can assist in prioritizing and developing effective interventional strategies and monitoring their impact.