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Br J Ophthalmol 2002;86:133-139 doi:10.1136/bjo.86.2.133
  • World views

Prevalence of visual impairment, blindness, and cataract surgery in the Hong Kong elderly

  1. John J Michon1,*,
  2. Joseph Lau2,
  3. Wing Shing Chan2,
  4. Leon B Ellwein3
  1. 1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
  2. 2Centre for Clinical Trials and Epidemiological Research, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
  3. 3National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
  1. Correspondence to: Leon B Ellwein, PhD, National Eye Institute, 31 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892–2510, USA
  • Accepted 14 August 2001

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of vision impairment, unilateral/bilateral blindness, and cataract surgery were estimated in a population based survey among the elderly in a suburban area of Hong Kong.

Methods: 15 public, private, and home ownership scheme housing estates in the Shatin area of Hong Kong were subjected to cluster sampling to randomly select a cross section of people 60 years of age or older. Visual acuity measurements and ocular examinations were conducted at a community site within each estate. The principal cause of reduced vision was identified for eyes with presenting visual acuity worse than 6/18.

Results: A total of 3441 subjects from an enumerated population of 4487 (76.7%) completed an eye examination. The prevalence of presenting visual acuity less than 6/18 in at least one eye was 41.3%; and 73.1% in those 80 years of age or older. Unilateral blindness (acuity <6/60) was found in 7.9% of subjects and bilateral blindness in 1.8%. Refractive error and cataract were, respectively, the main causes of vision impairment and blindness. Visual impairment with either eye <6/18 increased with advancing age and was more prevalent in males, the less educated, and those living in public housing estates. The prevalence of cataract surgery was 9.1% and was associated with advancing age and less education.

Conclusions: Blindness and visual disability were common in this socioeconomically advanced population, with most of it easily remedied. Because of a rapidly ageing population, healthcare planners in Hong Kong must prepare for an increasing burden of visual disability and blindness.

Footnotes

  • ↵* Current affiliation: Duke Eye Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA

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