Blindness in the city of Nottingham (1980-1985)

An analysis has been made of data obtained from all available blind and partially sighted registration forms (Form BD8) for the City of Nottingham between the years 1980 and 1985 inclusive. Senile macular degeneration was the commonest cause for registration followed by glaucoma and then diabetic retinopathy. The rate of registration per 100,000 of population for different age groups is compared with similar figures for all England obtained 10 years previously. There is an apparent increase in the rate of registration of senile macular degeneration but a reduction in the rate of registration of glaucoma and cataract. The rate of registration of patients with diabetic retinopathy is also reduced but only in elderly patients.