Causes of blindness and visual impairment in the West of Scotland

Abstract

Aims To determine the overall reported incidence and causes of registrable blindness and visual impairment in the West of Scotland and any trends that have occurred in the previous 16 years since data from the same area were published. Methods Data for analysis were obtained from BP1 registration forms returned to the Resource Centre for the Blind serving the Strathclyde region in the West of Scotland between 1 April 1996 and 31 March 1997. Results A total of 1595 visually handicapped people were registered during the study year. Of these, 99 forms (6.2%) were excluded from further analysis because of insufficient information. The remaining 1496 completed BP1 Forms were in respect of 530 males and 966 females. Of these, 253 males and 450 females were legally blind (total 703 or 47.0%) and 277 males and 516 females were partially sighted (total 793 or 53.0%). The five leading causes of blindness, in decreasing frequency, were age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, myopic degeneration, and optic atrophy. ARMD and diabetic retinopathy were the most common causes of blindness in those over 65 years and persons of working age, respectively. Conclusions In adults, cataract is no longer a significant cause of registrable visual impairment. The proportions of registrations owing to glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and myopia have not significantly changed since 1983 and the proportion owing to macular degeneration has increased. In children, congenital glaucoma, cataract, and corneal infection were no longer causes of registration, but impairment of vision caused by brain damage is now a significant contributor.

The clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of screening for open angle glaucoma: a systematic review and economic evaluation

“…[32][33][34][35] The statutory definition of blindness is that "a person should be so blind as to be unable to perform any employment". There is no equivalent definition for partial sight, but it refers to people who are not blind, but who are substantially and permanently disabled by defective vision.…”

The incidence of visual impairment due to diabetic retinopathy in Leeds

“…22 Data from different regions regarding the incidence of diabetic retinopathy related blindness are scarce in the literature. [23][24][25][26][27][28][29] The few studies that are available do not allow direct comparisons between regions as differing measurement parameters have been used. The National Screening Committee has estimated the incidence of Table 4 Guidelines for blind and partial sighted (BD8) Registration…”

“…29 However, the incidence of either visual impairment or blindness due to diabetic retinopathy in the diabetic population of this study is far higher than the corresponding figure for visual impairment of 530 per million diabetics per year calculated for Tayside in 1998 or for blindness of 64 per million diabetics per year calculated for Fife between 1990-1999. 26,27 Although Arun claimed that the Newcastle figure was testimony to the success of the local screening programme, the figure for the Tayside region was derived for a diabetic population, which was also enrolled into a photographic screening programme. 29 We believe that this variation more likely reflects differing local populations and illustrates the need for each individual area to calculate its own incidence data.…”

Lifetime visual prognosis for patients with primary open-angle glaucoma

“…[3][4][5][6][7] It is estimated that glaucoma is the second leading cause of visual loss worldwide, and is responsible for up to 17% of blind and partial sight registration in the United Kingdom. 1,[8][9][10][11] A newly diagnosed POAG patient will have concerns about the future. Will their eyesight remain good enough to retain their driving licence?…”