PREVALENCE AND CAUSES OF VISUAL IMPAIRMENT AND BLINDNESS IN THE SOUTHWESTERN REGION OF SAUDI-ARABIA

A population-based survey of the prevalence of major causes of blindne ss and visual impairment was conducted in Bisha region, Saudi Arabia. Overall, 2882 people were examined. The prevalence of blindness (visua l acuity of < 3/60 in the better eye with best available correction) w as 0.7% and the prevalence of visual impairment (visual acuity < 6/12 but greater-than-or-equal-to 3/60 in the better eye with best availabl e correction) was 10.9%. Cataracts were responsible for 52.6% of blind ness and 20.6% of visual impairment. Refractive errors accounted for 6 7.9% of visual impairment. Proper management of cataracts and correcti on of refractive errors will cure 73.6% of blind subjects and 88.5% of visually handicap people in this part of the world.