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Magnitude of Blindness … an Indian Perspective

Magnitude of Blindness … an Indian Perspective.

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Magnitude of Blindness … an Indian Perspective

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  1. Magnitude of Blindness …an Indian Perspective • As of today ,the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, there are 30 Million blind persons in the world, of whom 6 Million are in Africa, 20 Million in Asia, 2 Million in Latin America and the remaining 2 Million in Europe and North America. • The prevalence of blindness in most industrialized countries of Europe & North America varies from 0.15% to 0.25% as compared to blindness rates of nearly 1.5% for the developing nations in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Contd…

  2. Magnitude of Blindness • By the current Indian definition of blindness , there are 12 Million blind persons in India, of whom 90% live in the rural areas • According to a population based study (based on a WHO definition of Visual Acuity of less than 3/6) the incidence of blindness is 3.8 Million new cases (Incidence) per year Contd…

  3. Magnitude of Blindness • The current levels of cataract surgery is far below what is needed to clear the backlog and take care of the annual, additional cases. • On account of the projected increase in population and also “life expectancy”, the magnitude of blindness in India is likely to increase from 12 Million to 18 Million by the year 2020, if the current trend continues. Contd…

  4. Magnitude of Blindness • Moreover, due to the uneven distribution of eye care services, there are vast regions within India which are poorly serviced by eye care facilities. • It becomes clear that the challenge lies, both, in terms of the magnitude of eye care required as well as its even distribution, to enable reach the underserved areas. Contd…

  5. Major Causes of Blindness in India • The overwhelmingly major cause of blindness in India, China and sub-Saharan Africa is CATARACT formation. • Un-operated cataract is the major cause of blindness, accounting for about 60% of all causes, based on population based surveys. • It is estimated that, in India 1 person in every 1000 population goes blind due to cataract alone, every year.

  6. Major Causes of Blindness in India • As there are no effective means of preventing the most common forms of cataract, all efforts need to be made to provide surgery to all those in need. • Cataract surgery is one of the most cost-effective of all health interventions, similar to an immunization program, with a very significant, rapid and observable impact, in alleviating socio-economic difficulties and improving the qualityof life. Contd…

  7. Major Causes of Blindness in India • The next, major cause of visual impairment is Refractive errors. • Other significant causes are : a) Glaucoma, b) Childhood Eye Problems (Vitamin A Deficiency, Strabismus, Amblyopia, Retinopathy of Prematurity) c) Retinal problems due to Diabetes

  8. Impact of Blindness Prevention After a Cataract removal operation, patients have: • A significantly better vision • Improved quality of life • Can retain jobs/occupations • Can become active members of the community.

  9. Pattern of Cataract Prevalence • Most of the population lives in the rural areas. However, most of the educated youth migrate to the urban areas leaving behind the elderly folks. • Since Cataract formation occurs with advancing age, the incidence of blindness is significantly higher in rural areas, that is 1.62% as compared to 1.03% in urban areas.

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