Visual acuity in the population of the Republic of Bashkortostan according to a UEMS study

    Abstract

    Visual acuity in the population of the Republic of Bashkortostan according to a UEMS study

    M.M. Bikbov, T.R. Gilmanshin, R.M. Zaynullin, G.M. Kazakbaeva, G.Z. Israfilova, A.A. Zinnatullin, J. Jonas

    Ufa Eye Research Institute, Ufa

    Purpose. Analysis of the prevalence of visual acuity disorders and the causes of visual impairment in the Republic of Bashkortostan (Russian Federation).

    Methods. The population-based cross-sectional Ural Eye and Medical Study was carried out in a rural and urban area in Bashkortostan. Out of 7328 eligible individuals aged 40+ years, 5,893 (80,5%) individuals participated.

    Results. Mild distance vision impairment (MVI) was present in 184 (3,1%) individuals, Moderate to Severe vision impairment (MSVI) in 182 (3,1%) individuals, and 11 individuals (0,19 %) were blind. In multivariable analysis, a higher prevalence of MSVI/blindness was associated with older age (P<0.001), lower educational level (P<0.001), higher diabetes prevalence (P=0.006) and longer axial length (P<0.001). Causes for MSVI were cataract, late stage of age-related macular degeneration (geographic atrophy and neovascular AMD), myopic maculopathy, glaucoma, non-glaucomatous optic nerve damage, diabetic retinopathy, and others. Causes for blindness were cataract, myopic maculopathy, retinal dystrophies, glaucoma, and corneal scars.

    Conclusion. In this typical, ethnically mixed population from Bashkortostan, the prevalence of MVI, MSVI and blindness was 3.1%, 3.1% and 0.19%, respectively. Cataract, AMD, myopic maculopathy and glaucoma were the most common reasons for irreversible vision impairment.

    Key words: visual acuity disorders, population study.