Research
Prevalence and Causes of Visual Impairment in A Brazilian Population: The Botucatu Eye Study
This paper reports population-based data on the prevalence and causes of visual impairment among children and adults in Botucatu, Brazil.
A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted involving a random start point and then systematic sampling of an urban Brazilian population in the city of Botucatu.
There were 2485 individuals aged 1 to 91 years that underwent ophthalmic examination.
The ophthalmic examination included uncorrected (presenting) and best corrected distance visual acuity using standardized protocols.
The primary cause of decreased visual acuity was identified for all patients with visual impairment.
The main cause of presenting low vision was refractive error (72.3%) and cataract was the most prevalent cause of blindness (50%).
The main causes of low vision and blindness in this Brazilian city were uncorrected refractive errors, cataract, and retinal diseases.
Programs to further reduce the burden of visual impairment need to be targeted toward the correction of refractive error and surgery for cataracts.