Prevalence of Preventable Causes of Low Vision in Different Ages and Genders

Much of the vision loss from age-related eye disease can be prevented. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of preventable causes of low vision. In this study, files of 204 patients were evaluated. Low vision was defined as best-corrected visual acuity in the better eye between 20/70 to 20/200. Diagnosis of anterior and posterior segment disease was based on the eye examination that performed with Topcon slit-lamp biomicroscope and direct and indirect ophthalmoscope examination. The prevalence of preventable causes of low was respectively: diabetic retinopathy, in 33 patients (16.18%), glaucoma in 6 patients (2.94%), and amblyopia in 2 patients (1%). The majority of cases have treatable and/or preventable causes; reduction of low vision or blindness can be achieved by appropriate screening strategies.