CAUSES OF BLINDNESS IN THE ADULT-POPULATION OF THE REPUBLIC-OF-IRELAND

Background/aim-Blindness in the developed countries affects 3.5 millio n people. This study was conducted on the causes of blindness in the R epublic of Ireland based on the register of the National Council for t he Blind of Ireland. The aim was to determine the prevalence of potent ially avoidable blindness and to identify its causes. Method-Criteria for registration as blind are in Ireland: best corrected visual acuity of 6/60 (0.1) or less in the better eye or a visual field restricted to 20 degrees or less. Data on 5002 adults 16 years an older registere d as blind were analysed. The causes of blindness are classified in 17 diagnostic categories. Results-The leading causes of blindness are ma cular degeneration and glaucoma, each accounting for 16% (812 and 795) . Cataract accounted for 11% (561), a third of these had an associated cause of blindness and one tenth had a cognitive deficit. Diabetic re tinopathy ranked as the 11th cause of blindness and accounted for 3% ( 147). More than half of the patients were 65 years and older. Conclusi on-25% of blindness was potentially avoidable. The treatable causes we re glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy in the working population and gla ucoma and cataract over 65 years of age. Glaucoma is the most importan t, which raises the question of a screening programme. The prevalence of blindness of 3% due to diabetic retinopathy is lower than in most o ther series.