Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose:to evaluate the prevalence of low vision and blindness. Methods:a cross–sectional study was conducted, in clusters, with a systematically randomized sample of homes in the municipal area of Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil. The sample consisted of 2111 individuals (4222 eyes), of all ages. They were submitted to ophthalmological examination (visual acuity with and without correction, biomicroscopy, funduscopy, tonometry, and refractometry). Visual deficiency was considered as visual acuity greater than 20/400 and less than 20/60, and blindness as less than 20/400. Prevalence was evaluated for eyes separately and both together. Results:Visual deficiency was presented in 5.71% and unilateral blindness in 1.54%. Bilateral blindness was detected in 0.61%. The main cause of visual deficiency was refractive errors and the cataract was the most prevalent blindness cause. Conclusions: The prevalence of blindness in the studied region is low and the main causes of visual deficiency and blindness found in this study are similar to those found in other regions.
Keywords: clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: prevalence/incidence • low vision • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: treatment/prevention assessment/controlled