A survey of blindness and cataract surgery in Doumen County, China

Abstract

Purpose: To assess blindness prevalence and that caused specifically by cataract in rural southern China. Design: Population-based, cross-sectional study. Participants: A total of 5342 persons older than 50 years of age. Methods: Visual acuity and eye examinations were performed in the summer of 1997 in a random sample of villages in Doumen County. Differences in blindness prevalence associated with age, gender, and education were explored using logistic regression. The survey was preceded by a pilot study in which operational methods were refined and quality assurance measures were performed. Main Outcome Measures: Distance visual acuity and lens status. Results: Bilateral blindness (presen..