Population survey on visual health in Spain

Conducting a national visual health survey and comparing results after 5 years.

Cross-sectional study using a computer-assisted telephone interview with a representative sample of Spaniards over 18 years of age (except Ceuta and Melilla). The survey was designed by ophthalmologists, the selection of the sample and the conduct of the interviews (April 2017 and May 2023) was carried out through the company Metroscopia and the analysis of the anonymous data was carried out by researchers. Demographic data, knowledge about glaucoma, use of glasses, perceived visual quality, ophthalmological pathology and ocular treatments were collected.

1209 and 600 people were interviewed in 2017 and 2023 respectively. The level of glaucoma awareness went from 80% to 87%. The perceived visual quality was reduced (8.2 ± 1.6 to 6.9 ± 1.8) and the frequency of access to the ophthalmologist. The prevalence of glasses use increased (50%-62%), dry eye (13%-28%), cataract (9.7%-12.4%), glaucoma (1.9%-4.6%), age-related macular degeneration (7%-11.3%), and diabetic retinopathy (1.2%-1.7%). The use of artificial tears and glaucoma drops also increased (16.9%-32.9% and 1.6%-6%, respectively).

The study shows that there has been an increase in self-reporting of eye diseases in recent years in Spain. These types of population surveys can serve to encourage the development of visual health programs aimed at the needs of our country.