Leading causes of certification for blindness and partial sight in England & Wales

摘要: Prevention of visual impairment is an international priority agreed at the World Health Assembly 2002- yet many countries lack contemporary data about incidence and causes from which priorities for prevention, treatment management can be identified. Registration as blind or partially-sighted in England Wales voluntary initiated by certification a consultant ophthalmologist. From all certificates completed during year April 1999 to March 2000, main cause loss was ascertained where possible here we present information on leading observed comment changes three since last analysis conducted 1990–1991 data. 13788 people were certified blind, 19107 partially sighted. The majority certifications older age groups. most commonly recorded both blindness (57.2 %) partial sight (56 degeneration macula posterior pole largely comprises age-related macular degeneration. Glaucoma diabetic retinopathy next causes. Overall, specific has increased – with being marked particularly over 65's figures have more than doubled. numbers individuals per 100,000 population sighted due AMD, glaucoma 1990. This may some extent explained improved ascertainment. process registration severe currently undergoing review. Efforts must made ensure that routine collection continued, this technology, allow such trends monitored policy informed.