Visual impairment and blindness in Hungary

Nationwide Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) in Armenia

PURPOSE

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and main causes of blindness and visual impairment in population aged 50 years and older in Armenia using Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) methodology.

METHODS

The study team randomly selected 50 clusters (each consisting of 50 people) from all 11 regions of Armenia. Data on participants' demographics, presenting visual acuity, pinhole visual acuity, principal cause of presenting visual acuity, spectacle coverage, uncorrected refractive error (URE), and presbyopia were collected using the RAAB survey form. Four teams of trained eye care professionals completed data collection in 2019.

RESULTS

Overall, 2,258 people of 50 years and older participated in the study. The age- and gender- adjusted prevalence of bilateral blindness, severe and moderate visual impairment were 1.5% (95% CI: 1.0-2.1), 1.6% (95% CI: 1.0-2.2) and 6.6% (95% CI: 5.5-7.7), respectively.The main causes of blindness were cataract (43.9%) and glaucoma (17.1%). About 54.6% and 35.3% of participants had URE and uncorrected presbyopia, respectively. The prevalence of bilateral blindness and functional low vision increased with age and was the highest in participants 80 years and older.

CONCLUSION

The rate of bilateral blindness was comparable with findings from countries that share similar background and confirmed that untreated cataract was the main cause of blindness. Given that cataract blindness is avoidable, strategies should be developed aiming to further increase the volume and quality of cataract care in Armenia.

Prediction of refractive error and its progression: a machine learning-based algorithm

OBJECTIVE

Myopia is the refractive error that shows the highest prevalence for younger ages in Southeast Asia and its projection over the next decades indicates that this situation will worsen. Nowadays, several management solutions are being applied to help fight its onset and development, nonetheless, the applications of these techniques depend on a clear and reliable assessment of risk to develop myopia.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

In this study, population-based data of Chinese children were used to develop a machine learning-based algorithm that enables the risk assessment of myopia's onset and development. Cross-sectional data of 12 780 kids together with longitudinal data of 226 kids containing age, gender, biometry and refractive parameters were used for the development of the models.

RESULTS

A combination of support vector regression and Gaussian process regression resulted in the best performing algorithm. The Pearson correlation coefficient between prediction and measured data was 0.77, whereas the bias was -0.05 D and the limits of agreement was 0.85 D (95% CI: -0.91 to 0.80D).

DISCUSSION

The developed algorithm uses accessible inputs to provide an estimate of refractive development and may serve as guide for the eye care professional to help determine the individual best strategy for management of myopia.

Selenium intake help prevent age-related cataract formation: Evidence from NHANES 2001-2008

Introduction

Cataract is one of the leading causes of blindness and visual impairment, about 16 million people around the world. Trace elements play an important role in a variety of the processes in human body. This study aimed to investigate the association between daily dietary intake of trace elements and age-related cataract incidence based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001-2008.

Methods

Iron, zinc, copper, and selenium were conducted in this study among subjects aged 50 years and older for African Americans and 55 and older in US adults. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used in different models to investigate the association of trace elements intake and cataract.

Results

After screening, 7,525 subjects were ultimately included in this study. A significant negative association was found between selenium intake and cataract incidence in adjusted models using multivariate logistic regression analysis (model 1: OR = 0.998, 95% CI = 0.997-1.000; model 2: OR = 0.997, 95% CI = 0.995-1.000; and model 3: OR = 0.998, 95% CI = 0.995-1.000). After dividing selenium intake into quintiles, significant negative associations between selenium intake and cataract were observed in the first quintile of model 3, the fourth and fifth quintiles of all models. In subgroup analyses adjusted for age and sex, a significant negative association was observed only in women aged 65-74 years.

Discussion

Our study points out that maintaining daily dietary selenium intake at higher levels is helpful for cataract prevention, and that increasing daily dietary selenium intake in American women aged 65-74 years may contribute to the prevention of age-related cataract. The intakes of iron, zinc, copper may not be associated with age-related cataract.

The Relationship between Nutrient Intake and Cataracts in the Older Adult Population of Korea

Cataracts are a prevalent ophthalmic disease worldwide, and research on the risk factors for cataracts occurrence is actively being conducted. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between nutrient intake and cataracts in the older adult population in Korea. We analyzed data from Korean adults over the age of 60 years (cataract: 2137, non-cataract: 3497) using the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We performed univariate simple and multiple logistic regressions, adjusting for socio-demographic, medical history, and lifestyle, to identify the associations between nutrient intake and cataracts. A higher intake of vitamin B1 in the male group was associated with a lower incidence of cataracts. A lower intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin A, and a higher intake of vitamin B2 in the female group were associated with a higher incidence of cataracts. Our study demonstrated that polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin A, and vitamin B2 could affect the incidence of cataracts according to sex. The findings could be used to control nutrient intake for cataract prevention.

Vision-related quality of life amongst patients with low vision and blindness in a resource-limited country

PURPOSE

To evaluate the significance of sociodemographic and clinical variables on the quality of life of low-vision patients in a tertiary hospital in Enugu, Nigeria, and also determine the causative ocular pathologies and their vision-related quality of life.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of adults 18 years and above with low vision/blindness. They were consecutively enrolled and clinically evaluated. The WHO-NEI-VFQ-25 questionnaire for quality of life was administered. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize variables. Kruskal-Wallis test, analysis of variance, and post hoc tests were done where appropriate.

RESULTS

Of the 400 participants, 81% were above 40 years. Mean age was 57.27 ± 16.34 years. Males (52.0%) and females (48.0%). 225 (56.25%) had Moderately Severe Visual Impairment. Low vision/blindness negatively affected the different domains of quality of life significantly, except ocular pain and dependency. Glaucoma and Cataract were the major disease conditions that affected most of the domains significantly. These conditions when poorly managed, due to poor and limited health resources, progress to low vision/blindness. Of all the socio-demographic factors and clinical variables studied, only age and severity of low vision were significant predictors of quality of life.

CONCLUSION

There is the need for prompt and proper treatment of low-vision patients and advocacy for the establishment of adequate and functional rehabilitation services. Quality of life which measures the overall impact of a disease on an individual was low in people with low vision and blindness. Low-vision services, which include rehabilitation, will provide comprehensive eye-care services and thus improve their quality of life.

Cross-sectional study investigating the prevalence and causes of vision impairment in Northwest Portugal using capture-recapture

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and causes of vision impairment (VI) in Portugal.

SETTING

Information about people with VI was obtained from primary care centres, blind association (ACAPO) and from hospitals (the PCVIP study) in the Northwest of Portugal during a period spanning years 2014-2015. Causes of VI were obtained from hospitals.

PARTICIPANTS

Administrative and medical records of people with visual acuity in the better seeing eye of 0.5 decimal (0.30logMAR) or worse and/or visual field less than 20° were investigated. Capture-recapture with log-linear models was applied to estimate the number of individuals missing from lists of cases obtained from available sources.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Log-linear models were used to estimate the crude prevalence and the category specific prevalence of VI.

RESULTS

Crude prevalence of VI was 1.97% (95% CI 1.56% to 2.54%), and standardised prevalence was 1% (95% CI 0.78% to 1.27%). The age-specific prevalence was 3.27% (95% CI 2.36% to 4.90%), older than 64 years, 0.64% (95% CI 0.49% to 0.88%), aged 25-64 years, and 0.07% (95% CI 0.045% to 0.13%), aged less than 25 years. The female-to-male ratio was 1.3, that is, higher prevalence among females. The five leading causes of VI were diabetic retinopathy, cataract, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and disorders of the globe.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of VI in Portugal was within the expected range and in line with other European countries. A significant number of cases of VI might be due to preventable cases and, therefore, a reduction of the prevalence of VI in Portugal seems possible. Women and old people were more likely to have VI and, therefore, these groups require extra attention. Future studies are necessary to characterise temporal changes in prevalence of VI in Portugal.

Prevalence of refractive errors in Hungary reveals three-fold increase in myopia

AIM

To examine the prevalence and composition of refractive errors in Hungary.

METHODS

Nationwide cross-sectional data collected between 2014 and 2019 were analysed from the Comprehensive Health Screening Program of Hungary, which provided spectacle dioptric power and autorefractometry data for 68 227 people (35 850 women and 32 377 men). Their age distribution, 18-99y, was similar to the national demographic distributions.

RESULTS

Of the total population, 16.50% of the refractive errors exhibited hyperopia, 40.05% emmetropia, and 43.45% myopia. Myopia was 3 times more frequent (58.7%) in younger ages (18-35y of age) compared to older age groups (19.4% of those 56-70y of age; P<0.001). High myopia showed a low prevalence (0.21%), and an increase parallel with ageing (r=0.716; P=0.009).

CONCLUSION

Myopia is the most frequent refractive error in Hungary. The prevalence of myopia is especially increased, up to 2-3 times, in the younger age groups. Nationwide actions need to be taken to reduce the onset of myopia and its associated consequences.

Incident cases of vision impairment and blindness among adult foreign-born and Swedish-born individuals: A national Swedish study

PURPOSE

To analyse risk of vision impairment (VI) and blindness in adult foreign-born individuals and Swedish-born individuals.

METHODS

A nationwide study of individuals 18 years of age and older (N = 6,042,891; 2,902,918 men and 3,139,973 women) in Sweden. VI (in general) and blindness was defined as at least one registered diagnosis in the National Patient Register between January 1, 1998 and December 31, 2015. Cox regression analysis was used to estimate the relative risk (hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI)) of incident VI in foreign-born compared to Swedish-born individuals. The Cox regression models were stratified by sex and adjusted for age, co-morbidities, and for sociodemographic status.

RESULTS

A total of 14,597 cases (6433 men and 8164 women) of VI were registered, with an age-standardized incidence per 100,000 person-years of 10.37 in men and 11.03 in women. VI (in general) was more common in immigrants, fully adjusted HRs (95% CI) were for immigrant men 1.38 (95% CI, 1.29-1.48) and women 1.24 (95% CI, 1.16-1.32), with significantly higher HRs among men and women from Eastern Europe, Africa, Latin America and Asia. Higher risks of blindness were also seen for immigrant men, HR 1.75 (95% CI 1.36-2.25), as well as for the other degrees of VI among immigrant men, HR 1.36 (95% CI 1.26-1.47), and immigrant women, HR 1.26 (95% CI 1.18-1.35).

CONCLUSIONS

We observed a generally higher risk of VI among foreign-born men and women, especially from some regions.

Primary glaucomas in adults: Epidemiology and public health-A review

Glaucoma is a mixed group of optic neuropathies that lead to irreversible visual field loss and blindness if left untreated. It is estimated that 3.5% of the global population aged 40 to 80 years have any glaucoma, being the primary open-angle and the primary angle-closure glaucoma the most prevalent forms. Although the age-standardised prevalence of blindness caused by glaucoma has decreased substantially over the last decades, population growth and ageing impose many challenges in preventing glaucoma-related morbidities on a global level. In addition, difficulties in diagnoses and treatment, along with its chronic and irreversible nature, urge the development and implementation of innovative approaches in confronting the disease. This manuscript reviews recent literature related to the epidemiology of primary glaucomas in adults, the risk factors attributed to the development of the disease, and discuss challenges and potential solutions from a public health perspective.

Cataract as a Cause of Blindness and Vision Impairment in Latin America: Progress Made and Challenges Beyond 2020

PURPOSE

To provide an update of cataract as a cause of vision loss in Latin America and to analyze sex inequalities in cataract surgical coverage (CSC) and effective CSC (eCSC) in the region.

DESIGN

Population-based systematic review with longitudinal comparisons.

METHODS

The Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS) and PubMed databased were searched for population-based studies reporting cataract blindness, surgical coverage, and outcomes published between January 2014 and December 2019. Information on the number of surgeries performed from the 2014-2016 period was obtained from ministries of health and was used for calculation of the cataract surgical rate (CSR). Sources such as Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) and Rapid Assessment of Cataract Surgical Services data were reanalyzed to calculate sex inequality in CSC and eCSC by subtracting the rate in women from the rate in men.

RESULTS

Cataract was the cause of 29.8%-77.6% of cases of blindness in the included studies; the CSR improved in 10 countries. The CSC pinhole visual acuity of 3/60 varied from 24.1% in Peru to 97.1% in Argentina, and the median absolute gender inequality CSC pinhole visual acuity 3/60 was -0.7%. The eCSC pinhole visual acuity 3/60 varied from 14.8% in Guatemala to 92.1% in Argentina, and the median absolute gender inequality eCSC pinhole visual acuity 3/60 was -0.8%.

CONCLUSIONS

Cataract remains a leading cause of blindness in Latin America. Coverage is suboptimal, and surgical results are also below target levels in many countries. Incentives for a better distribution of human resources, adequate training of ophthalmologists, and the inclusion of vision services in universal health care coverage could reduce the burden of cataract in Latin America.

Relationship between diabetes mellitus and cataract in Hungary

AIM

To examine the coexistence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and cataract in Hungary. The effects of DM on the cataract surgical results were also in the focus of analysis.

METHODS

Statistical data analysis of the results of the Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness with Diabetic Retinopathy (RAAB+DR) module conducted in Hungary in 2015. This cross-sectional, population-based, national survey included 3523 people aged 50 years and over. Participants of the survey were examined on-site. Visual acuity, main cause for visual impairment (using direct and indirect ophthalmoscopes), in case of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ≤0.5 and blood glucose level (random test with glucometer) were examined.

RESULTS

The prevalence of cataract was 23.4%, and DM was 20.0%. The occurrence of cataract steadily increased with age. Among the examined participants with DM, the prevalence of cataract was significantly (P=0.012) higher (+35%) than that in non-diabetic subjects (29.5% vs 21.8%). Following aging (OR=15.2%, P<0.001), DM proved to be the most independent influencing risk factor (OR=49.9%, P<0.001). The presence of DM was neither an influencing factor for complications of cataract surgery, nor for postoperative visual acuity.

CONCLUSION

DM appears to be one of the main risk factors for developing cataract. Other risk factors, such as age, sex and environment also play an influencing role. Diabetes does not seem to affect the occurrence of cataract surgical complications.

Cataract blindness in Hungary

AIM

To estimate the prevalence of blindness and visual impairment resulting from cataract in the population aged ≥50y in Hungary, and to assess the cataract surgical services.

METHODS

A rapid assessment of avoidable blindness (RAAB) was conducted. A total of 3523 eligible people were randomly selected and examined. Each participant underwent surgery for cataract was interviewed with regard to the year, place, and costs of the surgery. Participants with obvious cataract were asked why they had not yet undergone surgery (barriers to surgery).

RESULTS

An estimated 12 514 people were bilaterally blind; the visual acuity (VA) in 19 293 people was <6/60, and the VA in 73 962 people was <6/18 in the better eye due to cataract. An estimated 77 933 eyes are blind; 98 067 eyes had a VA of <6/60, and an estimated 277 493 eyes had a VA of <6/18 due to cataract. Almost all cataract surgeries were conducted in government hospitals. The age- and sex-adjusted cataract surgical coverage with VA<3/60 in eyes was 90.0%. The rate of good visual outcome after surgery was 79.5%. Ocular comorbidity was the main cause of poor outcome (78.1%), followed by late complications (such as posterior capsule opacification) (17.2%), inadequate optical correction (3.1%), and surgical complications (1.6%). The main barrier to surgery in people with bilateral cataract and VA of <6/60 was 'need not felt'.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of visual impairment resulting from cataract is slightly higher than expected. The quality of the cataract surgical service seems adequate in Hungary. However, the number of cataract operations per year should continue to increase due to the increasing patient demands and the aging population.

Rural–urban disparities in the prevalence of diabetes and diabetic eye complications in Hungary

Background

To examine the rural–urban differences in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) in the population aged 50 years and older in Hungary.

Methods

105 clusters of 35 people aged 50 years or older were randomly selected. Standardized rapid assessment of avoidable blindness (RAAB) with the diabetic retinopathy module was performed. Participants were classified as diabetic if they had a previous diagnosis of DM or a random blood glucose level ≥200 mg/dl. Each individual with DM who agreed underwent dilated fundus examination and DR grading.

Results

The prevalence of DM was higher in rural (21.8%) than in urban (18.6%) areas (p = 0.016). The prevalence of DR did not differ significantly between rural and urban areas in DM cases. Blindness (0.9% vs. 0.1%; p = 0.048) and blindness due to DM (0.3% vs. 0.0%; p = 0.021) in diabetic participants was significantly more common in rural than in urban areas. Diabetic eye screening coverage was significantly lower in rural than in urban areas (p ≤ 0,007).

Conclusion

Based on our results and the high rate of blindness and blindness due to DR in rural areas, primary eye care should be improved and a telemedical eye screening program should be undertaken, especially concentrating on rural areas.

Preventing blindness and visual impairment in Europe: What do we have to do?

Severe visual impairment and blindness are significant public health problems worldwide. Four-fifths of cases of blindness can be prevented or cured. The World Health organisation's 'Universal Eye Health: A Global Action Plan 2014-2019' and the European Society of Ophthalmology's Pilot Committee on Public Eye Health are aiming to decrease the prevalence of blindness in Europe and around the world. Starting discussions addressing possible actions and advocacies to improve current circumstances in public eye health is a common task of ophthalmologists and public health specialists in Europe.

Diabetes and blindness in people with diabetes in Hungary

INTRODUCTION:

The purpose of the study was to estimate the number of people with diabetes mellitus, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and the prevalence of blindness and severe visual impairment among people with diabetes mellitus in Hungary based on our recent national representative survey.

METHODS:

Altogether 105 clusters of 35 people aged 50 years or older were randomly selected. Standardized rapid assessment of avoidable blindness with the diabetic retinopathy module was used. Each individual received a visual acuity assessment, and every person with diabetes mellitus underwent dilated fundus examination.

RESULTS:

The estimated number of people with diabetes mellitus was 807,885 in the adult (⩾18 years) population in Hungary with 9.9% prevalence. Diabetic retinopathy exhibited an increasing tendency with age. The prevalence rates of blindness and severe visual impairment in people with diabetes mellitus aged ⩾50 years were 1.0% and 0.9%, respectively. Diabetic retinopathy was responsible for 28% of blindness and 50% of severe visual impairment among participants aged ⩾50 years with diabetes mellitus.

CONCLUSION:

The estimated number of people with diabetes mellitus and prevalence of diabetes mellitus were lower than those recently reported. However, if we extend our estimation, prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes mellitus may be higher and thus prevalence of diabetes mellitus may reach a higher value (between 9.9% and 13.4%). Because of the high number of ophthalmologically uncontrolled diabetic eyes and high rate of blindness due to diabetic retinopathy, primary eye care should be improved, and a nationwide telemedical eye-screening programme should be undertaken.

Causes of Permanent Severe Visual Impairment and Blindness among Jordanian Population

PURPOSE

To report the causes of permanent severe visual impairment and blindness among Jordanian blind people.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was conducted on 1422 legally blind or worse vision people of all ages who attended the ophthalmic division of a medical committee for evaluation of disabled persons from July 2013 through November 2014. They were divided into two age groups: adult group (998 cases) and childhood group (<16 years, 424 cases). Patients presented reports from their ophthalmologists detailing their eye examination including best-corrected visual acuity, slit-lamp examinations, and if applicable, intraocular pressure, dilated ophthalmoscopy, and visual field and the primary cause of visual impairment. Blind defined as best-corrected visual acuity < 6/60 (20/200) and/or visual field of 20° or less.

RESULTS

Retinitis pigmentosa was the most common cause of blindness among adult group (29.7%) followed by diabetic retinopathy (19.9%) and glaucoma (15.8%). Congenital whole-globe malformations were the most common cause of blindness among childhood cases (16.7%) followed by retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) (15.8%) and retinal dystrophies (13.9%). Overall, blindness related to genetic diseases, illnesses, and trauma was present at 56.5% (803), 41.7% (593), and 1.8% (26) of cases, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Genetic diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma were the dominant causes of blindness among adults, while whole-globe malformation, ROP, and retinal dystrophies were the dominant causes of childhood blindness. These major causes of blindness should be considered in future public health and nongovernmental organizations strategies for blindness prevention in Jordan.

Feasibility of the rapid assessment of avoidable blindness with diabetic retinopathy module (RAAB+DR) in industrialised countries: challenges and lessons learned in Hungary

PURPOSE

To present experiences gained during the planning, implementation, and practical performance of the rapid assessment of avoidable blindness with diabetic retinopathy module (RAAB+DR) in an established market economy.

METHODS

A total of 3523 people aged 50 years or older were examined at their homes in 105 randomly selected clusters in Hungary. During the 4-month-long field work, five teams visited the clusters. Each team was composed of a senior ophthalmic resident or eye specialist, a nurse, an assistant, a driver, and a local guide. The local guides were found through local mayors of the towns or villages or other local leaders.

RESULTS

Of all 105 clusters, 41% were completed in 1 day and 59% required a longer stay. The shortest daily examination time was 3.5 hours and the longest was 10 hours. Altogether, 7.6% of the enumeration areas needed revisit, mainly due to insufficient preparatory work and absence of the subjects. The best local guides were the local government workers, health visitors, and general practitioner (GP) nurses. Refusal of pupillary dilatation was relatively high and varied greatly among the study groups (7.7-43.8%).

CONCLUSION

The performance of a RAAB+DR study in a well-industrialised country is difficult, but may be successful. The most critical factor for success is an excellent local guide who is able to achieve participation of the people. The results of the RAAB are a solid basis for the development of a national programme for universal eye health and to prepare active media campaigns.