Prevalence of visual impairment, ocular trauma, and ocular disorders among conflict-affected and displaced populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Conflicts and forced displacement often leave behind severe health consequences, including a significant burden of eye diseases and injuries. Refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) face increased risk due to limited access to eye care services and exposure to trauma. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence and outcomes of ocular injuries and diseases in displaced and conflict-affected populations.

A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect databases for studies published between January 2000 and April 2025. Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Data extraction, risk of bias assessment using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and meta-analyses were conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Prevalence estimates were pooled using a random-effects model, and subgroup analyses were performed by study design.

The review included 19 studies from 14 countries, with a combined sample of 59,728 participants. Ophthalmic trauma had a pooled prevalence of 22.7%, while phthisis bulbi, a severe outcome of eye trauma, had a prevalence of 3.6%. Among non-traumatic conditions, cataract was the most frequently reported, with a pooled prevalence of 5.5%, followed by glaucoma (1.7%) and refractive errors (26.0%). Blindness affected 2.5% of the studied populations, while severe visual impairment had a pooled prevalence of 7.3%. Reliable pooled estimates for mild and moderate visual impairment were heterogeneous and variably reported, and therefore a single consolidated range (e.g., 7.3%-19.4%) may overstate precision and should be interpreted cautiously.

Displaced and conflict-affected populations bear a substantial burden of both traumatic and non-traumatic eye conditions, often worsened by limited access to timely diagnosis and treatment. The findings highlight the urgent need for integrating eye health services into humanitarian response plans, with a focus on early detection, rehabilitation, and continuity of care to reduce preventable vision loss.