Prevalence and Causes of Blindness and Visual Impairment in Urban Indonesian Adult Population: The UrbanJakarta Eye Health Study

Abstract

Purpose: : To estimate the prevalence of major causes of blindness and visual impairment among Indonesian adult population in Jakarta

Methods: : A stratified, cluster sampling of the inhabitants aged 40 years or older in 4 sub-districts of Makassar district in Eastern Jakarta were selected randomly and were invited to participate in this population-based cross-sectional study. Eligible subjects underwent a comprehensive eye examination, including visual acuity using Snellen charts and refraction, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, gonioscopy, non-contact and Goldmann applanation tonometry, photo fundus examinations, automated static perimetry, and ocular biometry.Visual Impairment was defined as best corrected visual acuity (BCVA)<6/18, and blindness was defined as BCVA<3/60 following World Health Organization (WHO) definitions. Primary causes of visual impaiment and blindness were recorded

Results: : The total of 1287 Indonesian subjects aged 40 years or older was participated in the study (response rate 64,35 %). The prevalence of blindness and visual impairment (BL/VI) was 1.12% (95% CI, 0.48-1.70) and 2.55% (95% CI, 1.71-3.48), respectively. The prevalence of cataract as the cause of visual impairment was 4.95% (95% CI, 3.7-6.4), of glaucoma 0.43% (95% CI, 0.14-1.00), of diabetic retinopathy was 0.95% (95% CI, 0.49-1.65). of ARMD was 0.08% (95%CI, 0.002-0.4)

Conclusions: : Blindness and visual impairment remain major problem in Indonesia, but not yet in a priority in the health care system. Cataract and diabetic retinopathy were the major causes of visual impairment, thus indicating the necessity of implementation specific programs directed toward reducing the both burden in the country.

Keywords: clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: prevalence/incidence • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: biostatistics/epidemiology methodology • diabetic retinopathy