AIM:To evaluate the prevalence and the causes of blindness,severe visual impairment(SVI),and visual impairment(VI)and to investigate the frequency of cataract surgery in people aged≥50y in Yueqing,Zhejiang Province,C...AIM:To evaluate the prevalence and the causes of blindness,severe visual impairment(SVI),and visual impairment(VI)and to investigate the frequency of cataract surgery in people aged≥50y in Yueqing,Zhejiang Province,China.METHODS:A population-based,cross-sectional study was performed using the Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness technique.Eight-seven clusters,each consisting of 50 people aged≥50y,were selected by probabilityproportionate-to-size sampling.Three outreach teams conducted door-to-door visits.Visual acuity(VA)was measured using a tumbling E chart.Lens status and causes of VI were assessed by ophthalmologists for individuals with a VA of<6/12 in either eye.A standardized questionnaire was used to collect information about cataract surgeries.RESULTS:Of 4350 eligible individuals,4120 were examined with a 94.7%response rate.Age-and genderadjusted prevalence of blindness,SVI,and VI were 0.5%(95%CI,0.3%–0.7%),0.7%(95%CI,0.4%–1.0%),and 4.8%(95%CI,4.2%–5.5%),respectively.Age was associated with an increased prevalence of VI,and the most common cause of VI was untreated cataracts,with the main barriers to cataract surgery being a lack of knowledge or awareness about cataracts.Of the 415 eyes operated on for cataracts,68(16.4%)eyes had a poor outcomes(VA<6/60)and 303(73.0%)had a good outcomes(VA>6/18).CONCLUSION:Prevalence rates of blindness,SVI,and VI in Yueqing are lower than other reported Chinese population-based studies.Cataracts remain the most common cause of blindness and VI.展开更多
At a February 2025 meeting,researchers presented their latest findings from a phase 1/2 clinical trial of a gene therapy,DB-OTO,developed by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals(Tarrytown,NY,USA)for a particular type of profound...At a February 2025 meeting,researchers presented their latest findings from a phase 1/2 clinical trial of a gene therapy,DB-OTO,developed by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals(Tarrytown,NY,USA)for a particular type of profound hearing loss in children.Nearly all the 12 participants,with no serious adverse events,experienced clinically meaningful and durable hearing improve-ments[1].A toddler born deaf,for example,could hear well enough after treatment to quack when asked,“What sound does a duck make?”[2].展开更多
Background:Blindness and vision impairment(BVI)continue to pose significant global public health challenges,disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations and further widening socioeconomic disparities.This study...Background:Blindness and vision impairment(BVI)continue to pose significant global public health challenges,disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations and further widening socioeconomic disparities.This study conducts a comprehensive evaluation of the global burden of BVI and the socioeconomic inequalities in its distribution from 1990 to 2021,aiming to provide insights for targeted intervention strategies.Methods:Using data from Global Burden of Disease 2021,this study performed a multiscale analysis of BVI burden,examining patterns at the global,regional and national levels.We quantified the disease burden using disability-adjusted life years DALY and prevalence rates.Temporal trends were analyzed by calculating estimated annual percentage changes(EAPC).Stratified assessments were carried out by sex and age group across 21 regions and 204 countries.The study also included comparative analyses of six major eye conditions and evaluated their associations with socio-demographic index(SDI).Results:Globally,the age-standardized prevalence of BVI increased from 12,453.52 per million(95%UI:10,287.58-15,226.09)in 1990 to 15,784.33 per million(12,761.44-19,502.32)in 2021,with an EAPC of 1.09%(95%UI:0.97-1.20).During this period,global DALYs attributable to BVI increased by 37.7%.Disease trends exhibited significant divergence,with near vision loss showing the steepest increase(EAPC:1.47%),while the prevalence of glaucoma declined(EAPC:-0.73%).Geographic disparities were pronounced,with substantial improvements observed in Equatorial Guinea(EAPC:-1.75)and worsening burdens in Benin(+0.54).Disease distribution demonstrated strong regional clustering,with near vision loss being predominant in Sub-Saharan Africa(64.47%)and East Asia(50.97%),while cataract was the most common condition in Oceania(33.86%).Females consistently bore a higher burden,particularly in South Asia(646.3 vs 563.2 DALYs).Moreover,we identified a strong inverse correlation between SDI and BVI burden(Ρ=-0.772 for DALYs).Conclusions:This study highlights the severe global burden of BVI and the significant cross-country inequality,particularly in low-and middle-income countries.It emphasizes the urgent need for targeted interventions and the integration of eye care into universal health policies to promote global health equity in the post-pandemic era.展开更多
AIM:To identify risk factors for postoperative blindness in patients with primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment(RRD)at their first presentation to a tertiary center,using a large clinical database to improve under...AIM:To identify risk factors for postoperative blindness in patients with primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment(RRD)at their first presentation to a tertiary center,using a large clinical database to improve understanding of this adverse outcome.METHODS:Electronic health records of patients with primary RRD from the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University were retrospectively analyzed.Postoperative blindness was defined according to the World Health Organization(WHO)criteria for legal blindness.Potential risk factors included demographic characteristics,preoperative clinical features,and surgical variables.Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate odds ratios(ORs)and 95%confidence intervals(CIs)for each risk factor.RESULTS:A total of 532 patients were included in the cohort,of whom 62(12.0%;28 males,34 females)developed postoperative blindness at the final follow-up.Among these 62 patients,30 had high myopia and 32 did not.The mean age of participants was 49.0±16.4y,with 275 subjects(52%)being male and 133 patients(25%)having the condition in the right eye.In the multivariable model for all patients,the following factors were associated with an increased risk of postoperative blindness:higher preoperative logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity(logMAR VA;OR=1.09 per 0.1 logMAR unit increase,95%CI 1.03-1.15);inferior or superior retinal breaks(OR=2.42,95%CI 1.12-5.24);and macular holes or superior retinal breaks(OR=8.46,95%CI 3.45-20.75).In the subgroup of patients with high myopia,risk factors for postoperative blindness included:pseudophakia/aphakia versus phakia(OR=6.33,95%CI 1.41-28.31);macular holes or superior retinal breaks(OR=15.15,95%CI 3.07-74.85);and proliferative vitreoretinopathy(PVR;OR=21.41,95%CI 2.14-214.57).In the subgroup of patients without high myopia,increased risk of postoperative blindness was associated with:higher preoperative logMAR VA(OR=1.11 per 0.1 logMAR unit increase,95%CI 1.04-1.18);and inferior or superior retinal breaks(OR=2.90,95%CI 1.19-7.06).CONCLUSION:Using a large real-world clinical database,we identified distinct risk factors for postoperative blindness in patients with primary RRD-including differences between those with and without high myopia.These findings emphasize the need to target specific risk factors in clinical practice to mitigate and reduce the incidence of postoperative blindness in this patient population.展开更多
Blindness prevention has been an important national policy in China.Previous strategies,such as deploying experienced cataract surgeons to rural areas and assisting in building local ophthalmology centers,had successf...Blindness prevention has been an important national policy in China.Previous strategies,such as deploying experienced cataract surgeons to rural areas and assisting in building local ophthalmology centers,had successfully decreased the prevalence of visual impairment and blindness.However,new challenges arise with the aging population and the shift of the disease spectrum towards age-related eye diseases and myopia.With the constant technological boom,digital healthcare innovations in ophthalmology could immensely enhance screening and diagnosing capabilities.Artificial intelligence(AI)and telemedicine have been proven valuable in clinical ophthalmology settings.Moreover,the integration of cutting-edge communication technology and AI in mobile clinics and remote surgeries is on the horizon,potentially revolutionizing blindness prevention and ophthalmic healthcare.The future of blindness prevention in China is poised to undergo significant transformation,driven by emerging challenges and new opportunities.展开更多
Objective:To explore the meaning of care experienced by people with blindness in hospitals.Methods:Interpretive phenomenology along with the 6-step method of van Manen was used to conduct the study.Using purposeful sa...Objective:To explore the meaning of care experienced by people with blindness in hospitals.Methods:Interpretive phenomenology along with the 6-step method of van Manen was used to conduct the study.Using purposeful sampling,15 people with legal blindness were interviewed.Thematic analysis was used to isolate the meaning of care.Results:Five themes emerged:(a)nurses in the eyes of patients with blindness;(b)negligence in the caring moments;(c)being cared for in ambiguity;(d)Uncoordinated care;and(e)Psychological discomfor t.These sub-themes were condensed into an overarching theme titled as“marginalized patients inside the stereotypical healthcare system.”Conclusions:Lived experiences of patients with blindness revealed that hospitals provide stereotypic or inappropriate care for this minority group in society.Health professionals par ticularly nurses should be skilled to provide person-centered and coordinated care for patients with blindness.展开更多
AIM:To estimate the prevalence of blindness and visual impairment resulting from cataract in the population aged≥50 y in Hungary,and to assess the cataract surgical services.METHODS:A rapid assessment of avoidable bl...AIM:To estimate the prevalence of blindness and visual impairment resulting from cataract in the population aged≥50 y 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 12514 people were bilaterally blind;the visual acuity(VA)in 19293 people was<6/60,and the VA in 73962 people was<6/18 in the better eye due to cataract.An estimated 77933 eyes are blind;98067 eyes had a VA of<6/60,and an estimated 277493 eyes had a VA of<6/18 due to cataract.Almost all cataract surgeries were conducted in government hospitals.The age-and sexadjusted 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.展开更多
AIM: To determine the prevalence and risk factors for eye diseases, blindness, and low vision in Tibet, and to assist the development of eye disease prevention and treatment schemes.METHODS: We carried out a survey of...AIM: To determine the prevalence and risk factors for eye diseases, blindness, and low vision in Tibet, and to assist the development of eye disease prevention and treatment schemes.METHODS: We carried out a survey of eye diseases among a population living at high altitude. A total of 1 115 Tibetan permanent residents aged 40 years or older from the towns and villages of Qushui County, Lhasa Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region, participated in this study. All participants completed a detailed questio-nnaire, and underwent presenting and pinhole visual acuity tests,and a comprehensive ophthalmic examination.RESULTS: There were 187 blind eyes (8.43%), 231 eyes with low vision (10.41% ). The leading cause of visual impairment was cataract of 55.0% (101/187) blindness and of 50.2% (116/231) low vision, followed by fundus lesions of 22.9% blindness and 23.8% low vision, while only a low prevalence of glaucoma of 9.6% blindness and 1.7% low vision was observed. The analysis of 2 219 eyes showed that the most common external eye disease was pterygium (27.2%) in Tibet.CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of blindness and low vision in the Tibetan population at high altitude is a serious public health issue. There is a need to establish and maintain an appropriate effective eye care program in Tibet.展开更多
AIM： To assess the prevalence, causes, and risk factors for blindness and visual impairment among elderly （〉60 years of age） Chinese people in a metropolitan area of Shanghai, China. METHODS： Random cluster sampl...AIM： To assess the prevalence, causes, and risk factors for blindness and visual impairment among elderly （〉60 years of age） Chinese people in a metropolitan area of Shanghai, China. METHODS： Random cluster sampling was conducted to identify participants among residents ≥60 years of age living in the Xietu Block, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China. Presenting visual acuity （PVA） and best-corrected visual acuity （BCVA） were checked by the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study （ETDRS） visual chart. All eligible participants underwent a comprehensive eye examination. Blindness and visual impairment were defined according to World Health Organization （WHO） criteria. RESULTS： A total of 4190 persons （1688 men and 2502 women） participated in the study, and the response rate was 91.1%. Based on PVA, the prevalence of blindness was 1.1% and that of visual impairment was 7.6%. Based on BCVA, the prevalence of blindness and visual impairment decreased to 0.9% and 3.9%, respectively. Older （〉80 years of age） women, with low educational levels and smoking habits, exhibited a significantly greater chance for blindness and visual impairment than did those with high educational levels and no smoking habits （P〈0.05）. Based on PVA and BCVA, the main causes of blindness were cataract, myopic maculopathy, and age-related macular degeneration （AMD）. CONCLUSION： Our findings help to identify the population in need of intervention, to highlight the need for additional eye healthcare services in urban China.展开更多
Objective To assess the association of socioeconomic status with the burden of cataract blindness in terms of year lived with disability(YLD) rates and to determine whether ultraviolet radiation(UVR) levels modify the...Objective To assess the association of socioeconomic status with the burden of cataract blindness in terms of year lived with disability(YLD) rates and to determine whether ultraviolet radiation(UVR) levels modify the effect of socioeconomic status on this health burden.Methods National and subnational age-standardized YLD rates associated with cataract-related blindness were derived from the Global Burden of Disease(GBD) study 2017. The human development index(HDI) from the Human Development Report was used as a measure of socioeconomic status.Estimated ground-level UVR exposure was obtained from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument(OMI)dataset of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA).Results Across 185 countries, socioeconomic status was inversely associated with the burden of cataract blindness. Countries with a very high HDI had an 84% lower age-standardized YLD rate [95%confidence interval(CI): 60%–93%, P < 0.001] than countries with a low HDI;for high-HDI countries, the proportion was 76%(95% CI: 53%–88%, P < 0.001), and for medium-HDI countries, the proportion was48%(95% CI: 15%–68%, P = 0.010;P for trend < 0.001). The interaction analysis showed that UVR exposure played an interactive role in the association between socioeconomic status and cataract blindness burden(P value for interaction = 0.047).Conclusion Long-term high-UVR exposure amplifies the association of poor socioeconomic status with the burden of cataract-related blindness. The findings emphasize the need for strengthening UVR exposure protection interventions in developing countries with high-UVR exposure.展开更多
· AIM: to determine the frequency and causes of blindness in diabetic Africans. ·METHODS: The study was a cross-sectional survey carried out among known black diabetics consecutively admitted at the Teaching...· AIM: to determine the frequency and causes of blindness in diabetic Africans. ·METHODS: The study was a cross-sectional survey carried out among known black diabetics consecutively admitted at the Teaching Hospital, University of Kinshasa, between 2005 and 2007. Examination methods included interviewer -administered structured question - naire, eye examinations (visual acuity, tonometry, funduscopy), and fasting plasma glycaemia test. ·RESULTS: Of the 227 patients examined, 15.9% had blindness. Univariate analyses showed significant association between female, severity of diabetic retinopathy, Mayombian ethnic group, use of insulin treatment, low intake of vegetables, diabetic nephropathy, open angle glaucoma and blindness in all diabetics. After logistic regression, only diabetic nephropathy, use of insulin treatment, macular oedema, Mayombian ethnic group and vegetables low intake were the independent risk factors of blindness in all diabetics. However, after logistic regression in the sub -group with diabetic retinopathy, only open angle glaucoma and proliferative diabetic retinopathy were the independent determinants of blindness.·CONCLUSION: The majority of the causes of blindness in these diabetic Africans are avoidable. It is recommended that appropriate diabetes care, nutrition education, periodic eye examination and laser photocoagulation facilities should be provided for treating diabetics in sub-Saharan Africa. ·展开更多
AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of a registration system for the blind people and to monitor the blindness due to uncorrected refractive error and cataract in Jing’an district, Shanghai, China. ·METHODS: Five hund...AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of a registration system for the blind people and to monitor the blindness due to uncorrected refractive error and cataract in Jing’an district, Shanghai, China. ·METHODS: Five hundred and ten blind people, based on visual acuity screening in a population aged 70 or older were enrolled into the study. Four hundred and forty subjects were interviewed. The following data were collected on each patient: demographic data, number of hospital visits for eye related problems, distance visual acuity, visual fields, ophthalmic diagnoses, education and registration status. If the eligible subject was not registered as blind, the reason for non -registration was recorded. ·RESULTS: Ten point nine one percent blindness was due to cataract, 27.5% due to uncorrected refractive error, and only 61.59% met the eligible blindness criteria (uncorrected refractive error and cataract are not considered as eligible blindness). The first four leading causes of eligible blindness were age related macular degeneration (25.09% ), myopic macular degeneration (21.40%), glaucoma (18.82%) and corneal disease (8.12%). Only 68.27% eligible blind people were registered. The patients with macular degeneration and glaucoma tendednot to register. Blind people with an above primary school education were 2.59 times more likely to be registered than those who were illiterate or had only a primary school education (OR=2.59, 95%CI: 1.49-4.48, P 【0.01). Patients who had 4 or more visits to the hospital requesting eye care services in a year were 2.2 times more likely to be registered than those with less than 4 visits to the hospital (OR =2.54, 95% CI: 1.47 -4.38, P 【 0.001). The first two leading reasons of misregistration were unknowing the registration system (48% ) and unwilling to register (21%). ·CONCLUSION: Under-registration of the eligible blind people exists in the registry system. Education and the number of hospital visits for eye care services were factors associated with registration levels. Uncorrected refractive error and cataract are important causes of blindness.展开更多
AIM：To investigate the relationship between high myopia [with or without complete congenital stationary night blindness（CSNB1）] and TRPM1 and NYX.METHODS： Two unrelated families with early-onset high myopia（eo HM...AIM：To investigate the relationship between high myopia [with or without complete congenital stationary night blindness（CSNB1）] and TRPM1 and NYX.METHODS： Two unrelated families with early-onset high myopia（eo HM） and 96 normal controls were recruited.Sanger sequencing or clone sequencing were used for mutation screening.Further analyses of the available family members and the 96 normal controls were subsequently conducted to obtain additional evidence of the pathogenicity of these variants.The initial diagnosis of the probands was eo HM.We performed a further comprehensive examination of the available family members after mutations were detected in TRPM1 or NYX. RESULTS： Two novel compound heterozygous mutations in TRPM1 were detected in the recruited families.The proband in family A with eo HM carried a c.2594 C 〉T missense mutation in exon 19 and a c.669 ＋3_669 ＋6del AAGT splicing mutation,which was co-segregated with CSNB1 in this family.A patient in family B with a compound heterozygous missense mutation（c.3262 G〉A and c.3250 T〉C） was detected.No mutations were found in NYX.These two identified compound heterozygous mutations were not found in the 96 normal controls.After further examination of the family members,the patients in family A could be diagnosed as eo HM with CSNB1.However due to the limited clinic data,the patient in family B cloud not clearly diagnosed as CSNB1.CONCLUSION： This study has expanded the mutation spectrum of TRPM1 for CSNB1 and additional studiesare needed to elucidate the association between isolated high myopia and TRPM1 and NYX.展开更多
Aim: A population-based survey was conducted in Tuoketuo and Shangdu Counties in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China, in the Autumn of 2010, to assess the prevalence and causes of blindness and visual impairment o...Aim: A population-based survey was conducted in Tuoketuo and Shangdu Counties in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China, in the Autumn of 2010, to assess the prevalence and causes of blindness and visual impairment of people aged 50 years and over. Methods: Random cluster sampling was used to select 82 clusters of 50 residents in the 2 counties. Each survey team included an ophthalmologist, a nurse and a coordinator, who went to door to door in each cluster to identify eligible people. A torch, direct ophthalmoscope and portable slit lamp were used for eye examination. Visual acuity (VA) was tested for each eye of every subject. Those with VA below 6/18 in either eye were examined and causes identified. Results: The survey identified a prevalence of blindness in people aged 50+ in Tuoketuo of 1.2% (95% Confidence Interval: 0.7% - 1.7%) and in Shangdu of 1.4% (95% CI: 1.0% - 1.9%). Cataract was identified as the leading cause of blindness (BL) and severe visual impairment (SVI), and uncorrected refractive errors were the major causes of moderate visual impairment (MVI) in both counties. Over two thirds of blindness, SVI and MVI were identified as avoidable. Conclusions: The prevalence of blindness in people aged 50+ in Tuoketuo and Shangdu was low compared to other studies conducted in China [1] [2]. The prevalence of blindness of people aged 50 years and over could be reduced by up to two thirds through better eye services in the two study areas.展开更多
AIM:To describe the prevalence and demographic characteristics of corneal blindness in an urban and rural region of Ningxia,located in the northwest part of China.METHODS:A stratified,randomized sampling procedure was...AIM:To describe the prevalence and demographic characteristics of corneal blindness in an urban and rural region of Ningxia,located in the northwest part of China.METHODS:A stratified,randomized sampling procedure was employed in the study,including urban and rural area of all age group.Visual acuity,anterior segment and ocular fundus were checked.Related factor of corneal disease,including age,gender,education status,ethnic group,location and occupation,were identified according to uniform customized protocol.An eye was defined to be corneal blindness if the visual acuity was【20/400 due to a corneal disease.RESULTS:Three thousand individuals(1290 from urban area and 1710 from rural area)participated in the investigation,with a response rate of 80.380%.The prevalence of corneal blindness was 0.023%in both eyes and 0.733%in at least one eye.The blindness in at least one eye with varied causes was present in 106participants(3.533%)and in bilateral eyes in 34participants(1.133%).The corneal diseases accounted for 20.754%of blindness in at least one eye and 20.588%of bilateral blindness.The prevalence of corneal disease was higher in older and Han ethnic group,especially those who occupied in agriculture and outdoor work.People with corneal blindness were more likely to be older and lower education.Rural population were more likely to suffer from bilateral corneal blindness than the urban population in≥59-year group(χ2=6.716,P=0.019).Infectious,trauma and immune corneal disease were the three leading causes of corneal disease.Trauma cornealdisease was more likely leading to blindness in one eye.However,infectious and immune corneal diseases make more contribution to the bilateral corneal blindness.CONCLUSION:Corneal blindness is a significant burden of in Ningxia population,encompassing a variety of corneal infections and trauma;the majority of those were avoidable.Health promotion strategies and good hygienic conditions have to be developed.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the relationship between China's first Western-style eye hospital development and the prevention of blindness in China and determine the main factor influencing eye health today. METHODS: Data ...AIM: To investigate the relationship between China's first Western-style eye hospital development and the prevention of blindness in China and determine the main factor influencing eye health today. METHODS: Data about eye health, blindness and cataract surgery rate of China from public website of World Health Organization (WHO), ORBIS International, Ministry of Health (MOH) of China, Pubmed center and Historical Archives of Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center (ZOC) were reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: ZOC is China's first Western-style eye hospital. In 2012, the ORBIS Flying Eye Hospital has chosen ZOC once again as one of its destinations, 30 years after ORBIS expanded internationally to train eye care professionals and treat underserved patients in developing countries in 1982. During the past 30 years, cataract surgery rate and public awareness of blindness prevention were improved greatly in China, in which ZOC plays a very important role. CONCLUSION: ZOC, as China's first Western-style eye hospital,has improved in the prevention of blindness. Eye health has become everyone’s responsibility.展开更多
According to World Health Organization, the global prevalence of blindness in 2010 was 39 million people, among which 4% were due to corneal opacities. Often, the sole resort for visual restoration of patients with da...According to World Health Organization, the global prevalence of blindness in 2010 was 39 million people, among which 4% were due to corneal opacities. Often, the sole resort for visual restoration of patients with damaged corneas is corneal transplantation. However, despite rapid developments of surgical techniques, instrumentations and immunosuppressive agents, corneal blindness remains a prevalent global health issue. This is largely due to the scarcity of good quality corneal grafts. In this review, the causes of corneal blindness, its major treatment options, and the major contributory factors of corneal graft scarcity with potential solutions are discussed.展开更多
AIM: To assess whether regular Mediterranean diet and regular intake of vegetables may reduce the risk of blindness, cataract, and glaucoma in these type 2 diabetics. · METHODS: A cross-sectional design was carri...AIM: To assess whether regular Mediterranean diet and regular intake of vegetables may reduce the risk of blindness, cataract, and glaucoma in these type 2 diabetics. · METHODS: A cross-sectional design was carried out among known black diabetics admitted at the diabetic clinics of Kinshasa, between October 2008 and March 2009. The Mediterranean-style dietary score (MSDPS) was used to characterize a Mediterranean-style dietary pattern in the study population using the Harvard semi quantitative FFQ adapted for Africa. · RESULTS: Five hundred Type 2 diabetic patients were included in this study (48% of males; 40% aged ≥60 years). There was a significant association between blindness, cataract and aging; between blindness (P <0.05), cataract (P<0.05), glaucoma (P <0.05), and physical inactivity; between blindness (P<0.05), cataract (P <0.0001), glaucoma (P <0.01) and high SES, and a very significant association between blindness (P <0.0001), cataract (P <0.0001), glaucoma (P <0.0001) and exposure to sunlight. There was also a significant association between blindness, glaucoma, and male sex. Regular intake of Mediterranean diet, Brassica Rapa, beans, Abelmoschus, Musa acuminata reduced significantly the risk of blindness, cataract and glaucoma. · CONCLUSION: Regular intake of Mediterranean diet, Brassica Rapa, beans, Abelmoschus, and Musa acuminata may significantly reduce the risk of blindness or its major causes among type 2 diabetes mellitus in Africa.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the frequency of eye disorders in heavy vehicle drivers.METHODS: A cross-sectional type study was conducted between November 2004 and September 2006 in 200 driver and 200 non-driver persons.A compl...AIM: To investigate the frequency of eye disorders in heavy vehicle drivers.METHODS: A cross-sectional type study was conducted between November 2004 and September 2006 in 200 driver and 200 non-driver persons.A complete ophthalmologic examination was performed,including visual acuity,and dilated examination of the posterior segment.We used the auto refractometer for determining refractive errors.RESULTS: According to eye examination results,the prevalence of the refractive error was 21.5% and 31.3% in study and control groups respectively (P <0.05).The most common type of refraction error in the study group was myopic astigmatism (8.3%) while in the control group simple myopia (12.8%).Prevalence of dyschromatopsia in the rivers,control group and total group was 2.2%,2.8% and 2.6% respectively.CONCLUSION: A considerably high number of drivers are in lack of optimal visual acuity.Refraction errors in drivers may impair the traffic security.展开更多
基金Supported by Zhejiang Province Science and Technology Benefiting Project(No.2014H01007)Wenzhou Municipal Basic Research Project(No.Y20210208).
文摘AIM:To evaluate the prevalence and the causes of blindness,severe visual impairment(SVI),and visual impairment(VI)and to investigate the frequency of cataract surgery in people aged≥50y in Yueqing,Zhejiang Province,China.METHODS:A population-based,cross-sectional study was performed using the Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness technique.Eight-seven clusters,each consisting of 50 people aged≥50y,were selected by probabilityproportionate-to-size sampling.Three outreach teams conducted door-to-door visits.Visual acuity(VA)was measured using a tumbling E chart.Lens status and causes of VI were assessed by ophthalmologists for individuals with a VA of<6/12 in either eye.A standardized questionnaire was used to collect information about cataract surgeries.RESULTS:Of 4350 eligible individuals,4120 were examined with a 94.7%response rate.Age-and genderadjusted prevalence of blindness,SVI,and VI were 0.5%(95%CI,0.3%–0.7%),0.7%(95%CI,0.4%–1.0%),and 4.8%(95%CI,4.2%–5.5%),respectively.Age was associated with an increased prevalence of VI,and the most common cause of VI was untreated cataracts,with the main barriers to cataract surgery being a lack of knowledge or awareness about cataracts.Of the 415 eyes operated on for cataracts,68(16.4%)eyes had a poor outcomes(VA<6/60)and 303(73.0%)had a good outcomes(VA>6/18).CONCLUSION:Prevalence rates of blindness,SVI,and VI in Yueqing are lower than other reported Chinese population-based studies.Cataracts remain the most common cause of blindness and VI.
文摘At a February 2025 meeting,researchers presented their latest findings from a phase 1/2 clinical trial of a gene therapy,DB-OTO,developed by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals(Tarrytown,NY,USA)for a particular type of profound hearing loss in children.Nearly all the 12 participants,with no serious adverse events,experienced clinically meaningful and durable hearing improve-ments[1].A toddler born deaf,for example,could hear well enough after treatment to quack when asked,“What sound does a duck make?”[2].
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82000901,82171084).
文摘Background:Blindness and vision impairment(BVI)continue to pose significant global public health challenges,disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations and further widening socioeconomic disparities.This study conducts a comprehensive evaluation of the global burden of BVI and the socioeconomic inequalities in its distribution from 1990 to 2021,aiming to provide insights for targeted intervention strategies.Methods:Using data from Global Burden of Disease 2021,this study performed a multiscale analysis of BVI burden,examining patterns at the global,regional and national levels.We quantified the disease burden using disability-adjusted life years DALY and prevalence rates.Temporal trends were analyzed by calculating estimated annual percentage changes(EAPC).Stratified assessments were carried out by sex and age group across 21 regions and 204 countries.The study also included comparative analyses of six major eye conditions and evaluated their associations with socio-demographic index(SDI).Results:Globally,the age-standardized prevalence of BVI increased from 12,453.52 per million(95%UI:10,287.58-15,226.09)in 1990 to 15,784.33 per million(12,761.44-19,502.32)in 2021,with an EAPC of 1.09%(95%UI:0.97-1.20).During this period,global DALYs attributable to BVI increased by 37.7%.Disease trends exhibited significant divergence,with near vision loss showing the steepest increase(EAPC:1.47%),while the prevalence of glaucoma declined(EAPC:-0.73%).Geographic disparities were pronounced,with substantial improvements observed in Equatorial Guinea(EAPC:-1.75)and worsening burdens in Benin(+0.54).Disease distribution demonstrated strong regional clustering,with near vision loss being predominant in Sub-Saharan Africa(64.47%)and East Asia(50.97%),while cataract was the most common condition in Oceania(33.86%).Females consistently bore a higher burden,particularly in South Asia(646.3 vs 563.2 DALYs).Moreover,we identified a strong inverse correlation between SDI and BVI burden(Ρ=-0.772 for DALYs).Conclusions:This study highlights the severe global burden of BVI and the significant cross-country inequality,particularly in low-and middle-income countries.It emphasizes the urgent need for targeted interventions and the integration of eye care into universal health policies to promote global health equity in the post-pandemic era.
文摘AIM:To identify risk factors for postoperative blindness in patients with primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment(RRD)at their first presentation to a tertiary center,using a large clinical database to improve understanding of this adverse outcome.METHODS:Electronic health records of patients with primary RRD from the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University were retrospectively analyzed.Postoperative blindness was defined according to the World Health Organization(WHO)criteria for legal blindness.Potential risk factors included demographic characteristics,preoperative clinical features,and surgical variables.Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate odds ratios(ORs)and 95%confidence intervals(CIs)for each risk factor.RESULTS:A total of 532 patients were included in the cohort,of whom 62(12.0%;28 males,34 females)developed postoperative blindness at the final follow-up.Among these 62 patients,30 had high myopia and 32 did not.The mean age of participants was 49.0±16.4y,with 275 subjects(52%)being male and 133 patients(25%)having the condition in the right eye.In the multivariable model for all patients,the following factors were associated with an increased risk of postoperative blindness:higher preoperative logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity(logMAR VA;OR=1.09 per 0.1 logMAR unit increase,95%CI 1.03-1.15);inferior or superior retinal breaks(OR=2.42,95%CI 1.12-5.24);and macular holes or superior retinal breaks(OR=8.46,95%CI 3.45-20.75).In the subgroup of patients with high myopia,risk factors for postoperative blindness included:pseudophakia/aphakia versus phakia(OR=6.33,95%CI 1.41-28.31);macular holes or superior retinal breaks(OR=15.15,95%CI 3.07-74.85);and proliferative vitreoretinopathy(PVR;OR=21.41,95%CI 2.14-214.57).In the subgroup of patients without high myopia,increased risk of postoperative blindness was associated with:higher preoperative logMAR VA(OR=1.11 per 0.1 logMAR unit increase,95%CI 1.04-1.18);and inferior or superior retinal breaks(OR=2.90,95%CI 1.19-7.06).CONCLUSION:Using a large real-world clinical database,we identified distinct risk factors for postoperative blindness in patients with primary RRD-including differences between those with and without high myopia.These findings emphasize the need to target specific risk factors in clinical practice to mitigate and reduce the incidence of postoperative blindness in this patient population.
基金supported by the Science and Technology Program of Guangzhou(202201020337)the Science and Technology Planning Projects of Guangdong Province(2021B1111610006)+4 种基金the Science and Technology Program of Guangzhou(2024B03J1233)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82171035)the High-level Science and Technology Journals Projects of Guangdong Province(2021B1212010003)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82201237)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2023T160751).
文摘Blindness prevention has been an important national policy in China.Previous strategies,such as deploying experienced cataract surgeons to rural areas and assisting in building local ophthalmology centers,had successfully decreased the prevalence of visual impairment and blindness.However,new challenges arise with the aging population and the shift of the disease spectrum towards age-related eye diseases and myopia.With the constant technological boom,digital healthcare innovations in ophthalmology could immensely enhance screening and diagnosing capabilities.Artificial intelligence(AI)and telemedicine have been proven valuable in clinical ophthalmology settings.Moreover,the integration of cutting-edge communication technology and AI in mobile clinics and remote surgeries is on the horizon,potentially revolutionizing blindness prevention and ophthalmic healthcare.The future of blindness prevention in China is poised to undergo significant transformation,driven by emerging challenges and new opportunities.
基金supported by Ardabil University of Medical Sciences(No.9319.1393-11-21)。
文摘Objective:To explore the meaning of care experienced by people with blindness in hospitals.Methods:Interpretive phenomenology along with the 6-step method of van Manen was used to conduct the study.Using purposeful sampling,15 people with legal blindness were interviewed.Thematic analysis was used to isolate the meaning of care.Results:Five themes emerged:(a)nurses in the eyes of patients with blindness;(b)negligence in the caring moments;(c)being cared for in ambiguity;(d)Uncoordinated care;and(e)Psychological discomfor t.These sub-themes were condensed into an overarching theme titled as“marginalized patients inside the stereotypical healthcare system.”Conclusions:Lived experiences of patients with blindness revealed that hospitals provide stereotypic or inappropriate care for this minority group in society.Health professionals par ticularly nurses should be skilled to provide person-centered and coordinated care for patients with blindness.
基金Supported by SightFirst grant(No.SF 1825/UND)from Lions Clubs International Foundation,Oak Brook,IL,USA.
文摘AIM:To estimate the prevalence of blindness and visual impairment resulting from cataract in the population aged≥50 y 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 12514 people were bilaterally blind;the visual acuity(VA)in 19293 people was<6/60,and the VA in 73962 people was<6/18 in the better eye due to cataract.An estimated 77933 eyes are blind;98067 eyes had a VA of<6/60,and an estimated 277493 eyes had a VA of<6/18 due to cataract.Almost all cataract surgeries were conducted in government hospitals.The age-and sexadjusted 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.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81070716)
文摘AIM: To determine the prevalence and risk factors for eye diseases, blindness, and low vision in Tibet, and to assist the development of eye disease prevention and treatment schemes.METHODS: We carried out a survey of eye diseases among a population living at high altitude. A total of 1 115 Tibetan permanent residents aged 40 years or older from the towns and villages of Qushui County, Lhasa Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region, participated in this study. All participants completed a detailed questio-nnaire, and underwent presenting and pinhole visual acuity tests,and a comprehensive ophthalmic examination.RESULTS: There were 187 blind eyes (8.43%), 231 eyes with low vision (10.41% ). The leading cause of visual impairment was cataract of 55.0% (101/187) blindness and of 50.2% (116/231) low vision, followed by fundus lesions of 22.9% blindness and 23.8% low vision, while only a low prevalence of glaucoma of 9.6% blindness and 1.7% low vision was observed. The analysis of 2 219 eyes showed that the most common external eye disease was pterygium (27.2%) in Tibet.CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of blindness and low vision in the Tibetan population at high altitude is a serious public health issue. There is a need to establish and maintain an appropriate effective eye care program in Tibet.
基金Supported by Shanghai Municipal Health and Family Planning Commission Foundation(No.201440029)
文摘AIM： To assess the prevalence, causes, and risk factors for blindness and visual impairment among elderly （〉60 years of age） Chinese people in a metropolitan area of Shanghai, China. METHODS： Random cluster sampling was conducted to identify participants among residents ≥60 years of age living in the Xietu Block, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China. Presenting visual acuity （PVA） and best-corrected visual acuity （BCVA） were checked by the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study （ETDRS） visual chart. All eligible participants underwent a comprehensive eye examination. Blindness and visual impairment were defined according to World Health Organization （WHO） criteria. RESULTS： A total of 4190 persons （1688 men and 2502 women） participated in the study, and the response rate was 91.1%. Based on PVA, the prevalence of blindness was 1.1% and that of visual impairment was 7.6%. Based on BCVA, the prevalence of blindness and visual impairment decreased to 0.9% and 3.9%, respectively. Older （〉80 years of age） women, with low educational levels and smoking habits, exhibited a significantly greater chance for blindness and visual impairment than did those with high educational levels and no smoking habits （P〈0.05）. Based on PVA and BCVA, the main causes of blindness were cataract, myopic maculopathy, and age-related macular degeneration （AMD）. CONCLUSION： Our findings help to identify the population in need of intervention, to highlight the need for additional eye healthcare services in urban China.
基金supported by a grant from the National Natural Science Foundation of China No. 81673133 and No.81273034。
文摘Objective To assess the association of socioeconomic status with the burden of cataract blindness in terms of year lived with disability(YLD) rates and to determine whether ultraviolet radiation(UVR) levels modify the effect of socioeconomic status on this health burden.Methods National and subnational age-standardized YLD rates associated with cataract-related blindness were derived from the Global Burden of Disease(GBD) study 2017. The human development index(HDI) from the Human Development Report was used as a measure of socioeconomic status.Estimated ground-level UVR exposure was obtained from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument(OMI)dataset of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA).Results Across 185 countries, socioeconomic status was inversely associated with the burden of cataract blindness. Countries with a very high HDI had an 84% lower age-standardized YLD rate [95%confidence interval(CI): 60%–93%, P < 0.001] than countries with a low HDI;for high-HDI countries, the proportion was 76%(95% CI: 53%–88%, P < 0.001), and for medium-HDI countries, the proportion was48%(95% CI: 15%–68%, P = 0.010;P for trend < 0.001). The interaction analysis showed that UVR exposure played an interactive role in the association between socioeconomic status and cataract blindness burden(P value for interaction = 0.047).Conclusion Long-term high-UVR exposure amplifies the association of poor socioeconomic status with the burden of cataract-related blindness. The findings emphasize the need for strengthening UVR exposure protection interventions in developing countries with high-UVR exposure.
文摘· AIM: to determine the frequency and causes of blindness in diabetic Africans. ·METHODS: The study was a cross-sectional survey carried out among known black diabetics consecutively admitted at the Teaching Hospital, University of Kinshasa, between 2005 and 2007. Examination methods included interviewer -administered structured question - naire, eye examinations (visual acuity, tonometry, funduscopy), and fasting plasma glycaemia test. ·RESULTS: Of the 227 patients examined, 15.9% had blindness. Univariate analyses showed significant association between female, severity of diabetic retinopathy, Mayombian ethnic group, use of insulin treatment, low intake of vegetables, diabetic nephropathy, open angle glaucoma and blindness in all diabetics. After logistic regression, only diabetic nephropathy, use of insulin treatment, macular oedema, Mayombian ethnic group and vegetables low intake were the independent risk factors of blindness in all diabetics. However, after logistic regression in the sub -group with diabetic retinopathy, only open angle glaucoma and proliferative diabetic retinopathy were the independent determinants of blindness.·CONCLUSION: The majority of the causes of blindness in these diabetic Africans are avoidable. It is recommended that appropriate diabetes care, nutrition education, periodic eye examination and laser photocoagulation facilities should be provided for treating diabetics in sub-Saharan Africa. ·
基金Foundation of Health Science Research of the Health Bureau of Shanghai, China (No. 2008-161)Shi-Bai-Qian Plans of Jing'an district Health Bureau,Shanghai, China (No. 2010020103)
文摘AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of a registration system for the blind people and to monitor the blindness due to uncorrected refractive error and cataract in Jing’an district, Shanghai, China. ·METHODS: Five hundred and ten blind people, based on visual acuity screening in a population aged 70 or older were enrolled into the study. Four hundred and forty subjects were interviewed. The following data were collected on each patient: demographic data, number of hospital visits for eye related problems, distance visual acuity, visual fields, ophthalmic diagnoses, education and registration status. If the eligible subject was not registered as blind, the reason for non -registration was recorded. ·RESULTS: Ten point nine one percent blindness was due to cataract, 27.5% due to uncorrected refractive error, and only 61.59% met the eligible blindness criteria (uncorrected refractive error and cataract are not considered as eligible blindness). The first four leading causes of eligible blindness were age related macular degeneration (25.09% ), myopic macular degeneration (21.40%), glaucoma (18.82%) and corneal disease (8.12%). Only 68.27% eligible blind people were registered. The patients with macular degeneration and glaucoma tendednot to register. Blind people with an above primary school education were 2.59 times more likely to be registered than those who were illiterate or had only a primary school education (OR=2.59, 95%CI: 1.49-4.48, P 【0.01). Patients who had 4 or more visits to the hospital requesting eye care services in a year were 2.2 times more likely to be registered than those with less than 4 visits to the hospital (OR =2.54, 95% CI: 1.47 -4.38, P 【 0.001). The first two leading reasons of misregistration were unknowing the registration system (48% ) and unwilling to register (21%). ·CONCLUSION: Under-registration of the eligible blind people exists in the registry system. Education and the number of hospital visits for eye care services were factors associated with registration levels. Uncorrected refractive error and cataract are important causes of blindness.
基金Supported by the National Nature Science Foundation of China(No.81362138)
文摘AIM：To investigate the relationship between high myopia [with or without complete congenital stationary night blindness（CSNB1）] and TRPM1 and NYX.METHODS： Two unrelated families with early-onset high myopia（eo HM） and 96 normal controls were recruited.Sanger sequencing or clone sequencing were used for mutation screening.Further analyses of the available family members and the 96 normal controls were subsequently conducted to obtain additional evidence of the pathogenicity of these variants.The initial diagnosis of the probands was eo HM.We performed a further comprehensive examination of the available family members after mutations were detected in TRPM1 or NYX. RESULTS： Two novel compound heterozygous mutations in TRPM1 were detected in the recruited families.The proband in family A with eo HM carried a c.2594 C 〉T missense mutation in exon 19 and a c.669 ＋3_669 ＋6del AAGT splicing mutation,which was co-segregated with CSNB1 in this family.A patient in family B with a compound heterozygous missense mutation（c.3262 G〉A and c.3250 T〉C） was detected.No mutations were found in NYX.These two identified compound heterozygous mutations were not found in the 96 normal controls.After further examination of the family members,the patients in family A could be diagnosed as eo HM with CSNB1.However due to the limited clinic data,the patient in family B cloud not clearly diagnosed as CSNB1.CONCLUSION： This study has expanded the mutation spectrum of TRPM1 for CSNB1 and additional studiesare needed to elucidate the association between isolated high myopia and TRPM1 and NYX.
文摘Aim: A population-based survey was conducted in Tuoketuo and Shangdu Counties in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China, in the Autumn of 2010, to assess the prevalence and causes of blindness and visual impairment of people aged 50 years and over. Methods: Random cluster sampling was used to select 82 clusters of 50 residents in the 2 counties. Each survey team included an ophthalmologist, a nurse and a coordinator, who went to door to door in each cluster to identify eligible people. A torch, direct ophthalmoscope and portable slit lamp were used for eye examination. Visual acuity (VA) was tested for each eye of every subject. Those with VA below 6/18 in either eye were examined and causes identified. Results: The survey identified a prevalence of blindness in people aged 50+ in Tuoketuo of 1.2% (95% Confidence Interval: 0.7% - 1.7%) and in Shangdu of 1.4% (95% CI: 1.0% - 1.9%). Cataract was identified as the leading cause of blindness (BL) and severe visual impairment (SVI), and uncorrected refractive errors were the major causes of moderate visual impairment (MVI) in both counties. Over two thirds of blindness, SVI and MVI were identified as avoidable. Conclusions: The prevalence of blindness in people aged 50+ in Tuoketuo and Shangdu was low compared to other studies conducted in China [1] [2]. The prevalence of blindness of people aged 50 years and over could be reduced by up to two thirds through better eye services in the two study areas.
基金Supported by Consultation Program of Chinese Academy of Engineering(No.2009-77)Research Program of Ningxia Science and Technology Department(No.NKJ2010-168)
文摘AIM:To describe the prevalence and demographic characteristics of corneal blindness in an urban and rural region of Ningxia,located in the northwest part of China.METHODS:A stratified,randomized sampling procedure was employed in the study,including urban and rural area of all age group.Visual acuity,anterior segment and ocular fundus were checked.Related factor of corneal disease,including age,gender,education status,ethnic group,location and occupation,were identified according to uniform customized protocol.An eye was defined to be corneal blindness if the visual acuity was【20/400 due to a corneal disease.RESULTS:Three thousand individuals(1290 from urban area and 1710 from rural area)participated in the investigation,with a response rate of 80.380%.The prevalence of corneal blindness was 0.023%in both eyes and 0.733%in at least one eye.The blindness in at least one eye with varied causes was present in 106participants(3.533%)and in bilateral eyes in 34participants(1.133%).The corneal diseases accounted for 20.754%of blindness in at least one eye and 20.588%of bilateral blindness.The prevalence of corneal disease was higher in older and Han ethnic group,especially those who occupied in agriculture and outdoor work.People with corneal blindness were more likely to be older and lower education.Rural population were more likely to suffer from bilateral corneal blindness than the urban population in≥59-year group(χ2=6.716,P=0.019).Infectious,trauma and immune corneal disease were the three leading causes of corneal disease.Trauma cornealdisease was more likely leading to blindness in one eye.However,infectious and immune corneal diseases make more contribution to the bilateral corneal blindness.CONCLUSION:Corneal blindness is a significant burden of in Ningxia population,encompassing a variety of corneal infections and trauma;the majority of those were avoidable.Health promotion strategies and good hygienic conditions have to be developed.
基金Key Projects for Hospital Clinical Disciplines of the Ministry of Health of China in 2010-2012(Project No.175 in Document 439 of the Planning and Finance Secretary of Ministry of Health)
文摘AIM: To investigate the relationship between China's first Western-style eye hospital development and the prevention of blindness in China and determine the main factor influencing eye health today. METHODS: Data about eye health, blindness and cataract surgery rate of China from public website of World Health Organization (WHO), ORBIS International, Ministry of Health (MOH) of China, Pubmed center and Historical Archives of Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center (ZOC) were reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: ZOC is China's first Western-style eye hospital. In 2012, the ORBIS Flying Eye Hospital has chosen ZOC once again as one of its destinations, 30 years after ORBIS expanded internationally to train eye care professionals and treat underserved patients in developing countries in 1982. During the past 30 years, cataract surgery rate and public awareness of blindness prevention were improved greatly in China, in which ZOC plays a very important role. CONCLUSION: ZOC, as China's first Western-style eye hospital,has improved in the prevention of blindness. Eye health has become everyone’s responsibility.
文摘According to World Health Organization, the global prevalence of blindness in 2010 was 39 million people, among which 4% were due to corneal opacities. Often, the sole resort for visual restoration of patients with damaged corneas is corneal transplantation. However, despite rapid developments of surgical techniques, instrumentations and immunosuppressive agents, corneal blindness remains a prevalent global health issue. This is largely due to the scarcity of good quality corneal grafts. In this review, the causes of corneal blindness, its major treatment options, and the major contributory factors of corneal graft scarcity with potential solutions are discussed.
文摘AIM: To assess whether regular Mediterranean diet and regular intake of vegetables may reduce the risk of blindness, cataract, and glaucoma in these type 2 diabetics. · METHODS: A cross-sectional design was carried out among known black diabetics admitted at the diabetic clinics of Kinshasa, between October 2008 and March 2009. The Mediterranean-style dietary score (MSDPS) was used to characterize a Mediterranean-style dietary pattern in the study population using the Harvard semi quantitative FFQ adapted for Africa. · RESULTS: Five hundred Type 2 diabetic patients were included in this study (48% of males; 40% aged ≥60 years). There was a significant association between blindness, cataract and aging; between blindness (P <0.05), cataract (P<0.05), glaucoma (P <0.05), and physical inactivity; between blindness (P<0.05), cataract (P <0.0001), glaucoma (P <0.01) and high SES, and a very significant association between blindness (P <0.0001), cataract (P <0.0001), glaucoma (P <0.0001) and exposure to sunlight. There was also a significant association between blindness, glaucoma, and male sex. Regular intake of Mediterranean diet, Brassica Rapa, beans, Abelmoschus, Musa acuminata reduced significantly the risk of blindness, cataract and glaucoma. · CONCLUSION: Regular intake of Mediterranean diet, Brassica Rapa, beans, Abelmoschus, and Musa acuminata may significantly reduce the risk of blindness or its major causes among type 2 diabetes mellitus in Africa.
文摘AIM: To investigate the frequency of eye disorders in heavy vehicle drivers.METHODS: A cross-sectional type study was conducted between November 2004 and September 2006 in 200 driver and 200 non-driver persons.A complete ophthalmologic examination was performed,including visual acuity,and dilated examination of the posterior segment.We used the auto refractometer for determining refractive errors.RESULTS: According to eye examination results,the prevalence of the refractive error was 21.5% and 31.3% in study and control groups respectively (P <0.05).The most common type of refraction error in the study group was myopic astigmatism (8.3%) while in the control group simple myopia (12.8%).Prevalence of dyschromatopsia in the rivers,control group and total group was 2.2%,2.8% and 2.6% respectively.CONCLUSION: A considerably high number of drivers are in lack of optimal visual acuity.Refraction errors in drivers may impair the traffic security.
