Assessment of avoidable blindness using the rapid assessment of avoidable blindness methodology.
BACKGROUND
More than 90% of visual impairment can either be treated or avoided. Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness methodology provides valid estimates in short time to assess magnitude and causes of blindness.


OBJECTIVE
To estimate the prevalence and causes of blindness in persons above 50 years in Kolar, South India, using the above methodology.


METHODS
Sixty one clusters of 50 people aged above 50 years were selected by probability-proportionate to size sampling. Participants were evaluated using a standardized survey form. Persons with vision <20/60 were dilated and examined by an ophthalmologist.


RESULTS
Of the 3050 people listed 2907 were examined (95.3%). Prevalence of bilateral blindness in persons was 3.9%; severe visual impairment 3.5%, and visual impairment 10.4%. Untreated cataract was the leading cause of blindness (74.6%) and severe visual impairment (73.3%). Avoidable causes of blindness accounted for 91.2% of all blindness and 95.0% of severe visual impairment. 'Waiting for maturity' and 'No one to accompany' were the most common barriers to uptake of cataract surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Untreated cataract continues to be the leading cause of avoidable blindness. Modified strategies need to be implemented to tackle the burden of cataract blindness.
Department of Ophthalmology, Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College, Sri Devaraj Urs Academy of Higher Education and Research, Tamaka, Kolar, Karnataka, India.
Guruprasad S
GS
Bettadapura
Krishnamurthy
K
Donthi
Narendra P
NP
Datti
Bommanahalli G
BG
Ranganath
Shamanna B
SB
Ramaswamy
Tejal S
TS
Jayaram