scholarly journals Visual impairment and blindness in the Xingu Indigenous Park – Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arthur Gustavo Fernandes ◽  
Monica Alves ◽  
Roberta Andrade e Nascimento ◽  
Natalia Yumi Valdrighi ◽  
Rafael Cunha de Almeida ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Most estimates of visual impairment and blindness worldwide do not include data from specific minority groups as indigenous populations. We aimed to evaluate frequencies and causes of visual impairment and blindness in a large population sample from the Xingu Indigenous Park. Methods Cross-sectional study performed at Xingu Indigenous Park, Brazil, from 2016 to 2017. Residents from 16 selected villages were invited to participate and underwent a detailed ocular examination, including uncorrected (UVA) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). The main cause of UVA < 20/32 per eye was determined. Results A total of 2,099 individuals were evaluated. Overall, the frequency of visual impairment and blindness was 10.00% (95% CI: 8.72–11.29%) when considering UVA, decreasing to 7.15% (95% CI: 6.04–8.25%) when considering BCVA. For each increasing year on age, the risk  of being in the visually impaired or blind category increased by 9% (p < 0.001). Cataracts (39.1%) and uncorrected refractive errors (29.1%) were the most frequent causes of visual impairment and blindness in this population. The main causes among those aged 45 years and more were cataracts (54.5%) while refractive errors were the main cause in adults aged 18 to 45 years (50.0%) and children up to 18 years old (37.1%). Conclusions A higher frequency of visual impairment and blindness was observed in the indigenous population when compared to worldwide estimates with most of the causes being preventable and/or treatable. Blindness prevention programs should focus on accessibility to eye exam, cataract surgeries and eyeglass distribution.

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Peng ◽  
Ling Gao ◽  
Yunyan Zheng ◽  
Yanan Dai ◽  
Qing Xie

Abstract Background Refractive errors and visual impairment in southernmost China have not been reported previously. We aim to investigate and determine the age-specific prevalence of myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and visual impairment based on a large population cross-sectional study in Hainan area of southernmost tropical province in China. Methods A population-based sample of 31,524 children aged 6–15 years from Hainan was assessed. Non-cycloplegic autorefraction and visual acuity (VA) analyses were performed on all participants and a subgroup of participants undergoing cycloplegia. Results Of all participants, 23.0% presented uncorrected VA (UCVA) was worse than 20/40 in worse eye, 6.0% presented mild presenting visual acuity impairment (PVAI), 7.0% presented moderate PVAI, 0.2% presented severe PVAI in the better eye, and 46.9% presented abnormal UCVA [worse than 20/25 (≥ 6, < 8 years old) and worse than 20/20 (≥ 8 years and older)] at least in one eye. The overall prevalence of myopia [spherical equivalent (SE) ≤  − 0.50 D] and high myopia (SE ≤  − 6.00 D) were 46.0%, 1.0% respectively. Hyperopia [SE ≥  + 1.00 D (≥ 7 years old) and SE ≥  + 2.00 D (≥ 6, < 7 years old)] and significant hyperopia (SE ≥  + 3.00 D) were 4.2 and 0.6%, respectively. Astigmatism [cylinder ≥ 1.00 D (≥ 7 years old) and ≥ 1.75 D (≥ 6, < 7 years old)] was found in 31.9%. Conclusions Myopia was the most common refractive error in southernmost province in China (Hainan). Its prevalence increased with age, while hyperopia prevalence showed a decreasing trend. However, myopia, especially high myopia prevalence was much lower than in other urban regions across China.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Peng ◽  
Ling Gao ◽  
Yunyan Zheng ◽  
Yanan Dai ◽  
Qing Xie

Abstract Background: Refractive errors and visual impairment in southernmost China have not been reported previously. We aim to investigate and determine the age-specific prevalence of myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and visual impairment based on a large population cross-sectional study in Hainan area of southernmost tropical province in China. Methods: A population-based sample of 31,524 children aged 6-15 years from Hainan was assessed. Non-cycloplegic autorefraction and visual acuity (VA) analyses were performed on all participants and a subgroup of participants undergoing cycloplegia. Results: Of all participators, 22.986% presented uncorrected VA (UCVA) decreased worse than 0.3logMAR, 17.206% presented UCVA decreased worse than 0.5logMAR and 46.95% presented abnormal UCVA [worse than 0.1logMAR (≥6, <8 years old) and worse than 0logMAR(≥8years and older)] at least in one eye. The overall prevalence of myopia [spherical equivalent (SE) ≤−0.50 D] and high myopia (SE≤−6.00 D) were 45.97%, 0.96% respectively. Hyperopia [SE ≥+1.00 D (≥7 years old) and SE ≥+2.00 D (≥6, <7 years old)] and significant hyperopia (SE≥+3.00 D) were 4.21% and 0.62%, respectively. Astigmatism [cylinder≥1.00 D (≥7 years old) and ≥+1.75 D (≥6, <7 years old)] was found in 31.87%. Conclusions: Myopia was the most common refractive error in southernmost province in China (Hainan). Its prevalence increased with age, while hyperopia prevalence showed a decreasing trend. However, myopia, especially high myopia prevalence was much lower than in other urban regions across China, as residents of Hainan may benefit from more ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation during daylight exposure.


2016 ◽  
Vol 208 (4) ◽  
pp. 343-351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel J. Martin ◽  
Zia Ul-Haq ◽  
Barbara I. Nicholl ◽  
Breda Cullen ◽  
Jonathan Evans ◽  
...  

BackgroundThe relative contribution of demographic, lifestyle and medication factors to the association between affective disorders and cardiometabolic diseases is poorly understood.AimsTo assess the relationship between cardiometabolic disease and features of depresion and bipolar disorder within a large population sample.MethodCross-sectional study of 145 991 UK Biobank participants: multivariate analyses of associations between features of depression or bipolar disorder and five cardiometabolic outcomes, adjusting for confounding factors.ResultsThere were significant associations between mood disorder features and ‘any cardiovascular disease’ (depression odds ratio (OR) = 1.15, 95% CI 1.12–1.19; bipolar OR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.14–1.43) and with hypertension (depression OR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.13–1.18; bipolar OR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.12–1.42). Individuals with features of mood disorder taking psychotropic medication were significantly more likely than controls not on psychotropics to report myocardial infarction (depression OR = 1.47, 95% CI 1.24–1.73; bipolar OR = 2.23, 95% CI 1.53–3.57) and stroke (depression OR = 2.46, 95% CI 2.10–2.80; bipolar OR = 2.31, 95% CI 1.39–3.85).ConclusionsAssociations between features of depression or bipolar disorder and cardiovascular disease outcomes were statistically independent of demographic, lifestyle and medication confounders. Psychotropic medication may also be a risk factor for cardiometabolic disease in individuals without a clear history of mood disorder.


2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-30
Author(s):  
Aparna Rizyal ◽  
JS Sunrait ◽  
A Mishal

 Refractive error is a defect in the optical system of the eye which prevents light from being brought to a single point focus on the retina, thus reducing normal vision. This optical defect is the second most common cause of visual impairment globally as well in Nepal. At present, there are 285 million visually impaired people in the world. An estimated 4 out of 5 visual impairment (80%) can be prevented or cured, uncorrected refractive errors are the leading cause (42%) followed by cataract (33%). A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted to determine the proportion of undergraduate medical students with refractive errors in Nepal Medical College, and to identify factors associated with it. A total of 210 medical students volunteered for this study, with 100 males (47.6%) and 110 females (52.4%). The age of these students were between 18 to 26 years, with an average of 20.5 years. The proportion of medical students with refractive error was slightly more than half (51.4%), with simple myopia being the leading type (42.9%), followed by astigmatism (7.1%) and simple hypermetropia (1.4%). Parental history of refractive error was observed to be significantly associated with that of the medical students. There was also a significant association between refractive error and the daily use of mobile phones and laptops. However, years spent in medical education were not observed to be significant.


BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. e018894 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sumit Malhotra ◽  
Praveen Vashist ◽  
Mani Kalaivani ◽  
Noopur Gupta ◽  
Suraj Singh Senjam ◽  
...  

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence, causes and associated factors for visual impairment (VI) in rural population of Jhajjar district, Haryana, north India.MethodsA community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in two blocks of Jhajjar district. A total of 34 villages were selected using probability proportionate to size sampling method. Adults aged 50 years and above were selected using compact segment cluster sampling approach. Presenting visual acuity using LogMAR E chart was measured along with collection of other demographic details as part of the house-to-house survey. Subjective refraction and torch light examination were performed at a clinic site within the village to ascertain VI and its cause. VI was considered when presenting visual acuity was less than 6/18 in the better eye. Common causes of VI viz uncorrected refractive errors, cataract, central corneal opacity and others were noted by optometrists. Descriptive analysis was undertaken. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed for determining associated factors with VI.ResultsOut of 2025 enumerated adults, 1690 (83.5%) were examined at the household level and 1575 (78%) completed all study procedures. The prevalence of VI was found to be 24.5% (95% CI 21.1 to 26.3) and blindness was 5% (95% CI 3.9 to 6.1). The most common causes of VI were uncorrected refractive errors (50%) and cataract (37%). The VI in study participants was found to be associated with age, gender, marital and educational status.ConclusionsVI is still a public health problem in rural population of Jhajjar district, Haryana. Provision of spectacles and cataract surgical services are simple interventions to address this issue.


Author(s):  
Amit Singh Pawaiya ◽  
Ieshitva Jain ◽  
Khushboo Juneja ◽  
Mithila Dayanithi ◽  
S. Nagesh

Background: Visual health is both visual function and individual’s perception of vision. This study was conducted to estimate visual function and individual’s perception of vision and to understand the impact of sociodemographic factors and treatment seeking behaviour for eye morbidities among women in our society. The aim of the study was to obtain visual acuity scores and the perceived visual function score and analyse both objective and subjective visual health.Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 182 women aged 18-59 years residing in rural practice area of School of Medical Sciences and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida.Results: The most common problem in the study group was moderate visual impairment (23.1%), followed by severe visual impairment (8.2%) and blindness (1%). The common causes being uncorrected refractive errors followed by cataract. Visual impairment was maximum among 49-59 years (47.46%), illiterate (54.24%) and in lower socio-economic status (54.24%).Conclusions: An intersectoral approach involving the PRI, ASHA/ANM at all levels of the health system may be appropriate. Strategies involving the communities, schools, colleges, workplaces and shifting to preventive and curative approach instead of only curative approach may help to create more awareness about common avoidable causes of blindness namely refractive errors and cataract. Comprehensive eye care services from early screening to treatment need to be made accessible, affordable and available at all levels of health system irrespective of gender, literacy, age and socioeconomic status to improve visual health and thus quality of life.


Author(s):  
Livin Uwemeye ◽  
William U. Makupa

Aims: To determine the burden and factors associated with refractive errors after cataract surgery in a training institution. Study Design: A retrospective cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of the Study: Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center Eye department. Northern Tanzania, from January 2016 to December 2017. Methods: A review of files of all adult patients who have had cataract surgery in 2016 and 2017 was conducted. A total of 626 eyes of 554 patients who had post-operative refraction by experienced optometrists were included. Information were extracted from patients’ files then entered into SPSS version 20 for analysis. The main outcomes were post-operative refraction and best corrected visual acuity.  Results: Mean age was 69.3 years (SD=10.7) and ECCE accounted for 76% of surgeries. At least 84.6% had post-operative refractive error and astigmatism was the most common refractive error (56.8%). Spherical error accounted for 27.8%. Spherical error ranged from -12 to 4DS, mean = -0.42 (SD=1.3) DS and median = 0.00DS. The maximum cylindrical error was -7.5 DC, mean = -1.15 (SD=1.36) DC and median = -1.0DC. At least 56% had spherical equivalent within 1D of emmetropia. A BCVA of 6/18 or better was achieved in 92.8%. Age, poor pre-operative VA, poor presenting VA, astigmatism on keratometry, difference between recommended and inserted IOL, ECCE, grade of surgeon and suturing were associated with refractive errors. Conclusion: Refractive errors following cataract surgery are common. Best corrected visual acuity outcome was in normal recommended range; however, the magnitude of refractive errors was high and the proportion of patients who achieved a final refraction within 1D of emmetropia was below the recommended range. An effort should be made to lower the prevalence and magnitude of refractive errors associated with cataract surgery in training institutions.


2020 ◽  
Vol 105 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Vipin Das ◽  
Sayan Basu

PurposeTo describe the indications and prognosis for keratoplasty in eyes with severe visual impairment and blindness due to corneal diseases in India.MethodsThis hospital-based cross-sectional study included 1 057 215 new patients presenting to a multitier ophthalmology network from 2016 to 2018. All patients with a central corneal pathology and best corrected visual acuity of less than 20/200 in the affected eye(s) were identified as cases and grouped according to laterality. The main outcome measure was the prognosis for keratoplasty, based on the surgical indication.ResultsA total of 28 824 (2.73%) patients were identified with severe visual impairment or blindness due to corneal diseases; of which, 22 582 (78.3%) had unilateral and 6242 (21.7%) had bilateral affliction. Overall, 85% of the corneal pathologies were due to avoidable causes, which accounted for 97% and 63% of the unilateral and bilateral cases, respectively (p<0.0001). The most common aetiologies were microbial keratitis (27.2%) and corneal opacification (25.5%) in unilateral cases; and corneal opacification (38.2%) and ectasias (14.5%) in bilateral cases. Overall, 60.1% of affected eyes carried a fair to poor prognosis for keratoplasty. However, while in unilateral cases only 29.9% of eyes carried good to excellent prognosis for keratoplasty, in bilateral cases, 58% of eyes carried good to excellent prognosis for keratoplasty (p<0.0001).ConclusionsThe indications and prognosis for keratoplasty varied greatly based on whether the affliction was unilateral or bilateral. Most of the eyes affected by corneal visual impairment or blindness, however, carried an unfavourable prognosis for keratoplasty.


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