Prevalence and Causes of Blindness and Low Vision in Yazd Province

To determine the prevalence and causes of blindness and low vision in Yazd provice in 2008.

A population-based cross-sectional study was performed on inhabitants of in Yazd province in 2008. Using multistage cluster sampling, sample size was calculated based on the distribution of the total population of Yazd province derived from national census and estimated rates of blindness. Information was collected using a questionnaire, including general information and results of the optometrist’s and ophthalmologist’s diagnosis. Categorization of blindness and low vision was based on the international classification of diseases version 10 (ICD10).

Overall, 974 subjects with average age of 26.1±19.1 years participated (response rate 89.9%). 40 subjects (4.1%) according to best corrected visual acuity had visual impairment in one or both eyes. The prevalence of blindness was 0.3% (95% CI= 0-0.7%) and prevalence of low vision was 1.2% (95%= 0.4-2%). The leading causes of visual impairment were cataracts (32.5%), corneal opacities (12.5%) and amblyopia (10.0%).

It is estimated that about 2,576 cases of bilateral blindness and 11,899 people with low vision live in Yazd province. The prevalence rates of blindness and low vision were lower than global average and Tehran province. This study recommends similar studies with larger sample size and reinforces the need for expansion of health programs on prevention and control of visual impairment and their causes.