Changing patterns in global blindness: 1988–2008
2008
Changing Patterns in Global Blindness: 1988–2008
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Allen Foster, Clare Gilbert, Gordon Johnson
Primary Institution: International Centre for Eye Health
Hypothesis
The combination of an increasing and aging population will lead to a significant increase in the total number of blind people worldwide.
Conclusion
The number of people with visual impairment worldwide is estimated to be 314 million, with cataract remaining the major cause of blindness.
Supporting Evidence
- In 1988, 37 million people were blind, which increased to 45 million by 2002-04.
- Cataract has remained the major cause of blindness worldwide for the past 20 years.
- Improvements in nutrition and sanitation have reduced blindness from trachoma and onchocerciasis.
- 145 million people are estimated to have low vision due to uncorrected refractive error.
Takeaway
As more people live longer, more of them are becoming blind, especially from cataracts, but there are also improvements in treatments and awareness.
Limitations
Data on visual impairment and blindness are limited and may not capture all cases accurately.
Participant Demographics
It is estimated that at least 60% of blind people are women.
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website