Abstract
ObjectiveTo assess the burden of posterior segment eye diseases (PSEDs) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).MethodsWe reviewed published population-based data from SSA and other relevant populations on the leading PSED, specifically glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration, as causes of blindness and visual impairment in adults. Data were extracted from population-based studies conducted in SSA and elsewhere where relevant.ResultsPSEDs, when grouped or as individual diseases, are a major contributor to blindness and visual impairment in SSA. PSED, grouped together, was usually the second leading cause of blindness after cataract, ranging as a proportion of blindness from 13 to 37%.ConclusionsPSEDs are likely to grow in importance as causes of visual impairment and blindness in SSA in the coming years as populations grow, age and become more urban in lifestyle. African-based cohort studies are required to help estimate present and future needs and plan services to prevent avoidable blindness.
Highlights
Non-communicable diseases in low- and middle-income countriesIn recent decades, there has been a marked rise in life expectancy that has contributed to a major epidemiological shift in populations worldwide (Lopez et al 2006)
This review aims to establish the magnitude of visual impairment and blindness in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) that can be attributed to posterior segment eye diseases (PSEDs)
PSEDs are frequently collated in SSA-based epidemiological studies and presented as a single entity or group of conditions, they are clinically and pathophysiological distinct
Summary
There has been a marked rise in life expectancy that has contributed to a major epidemiological shift in populations worldwide (Lopez et al 2006). These changes will increasingly lead to major public health issues in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC; Mathers & Loncar 2006). Current projections suggest that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) will contribute to two-thirds of global mortality by the year 2030 (Mathers & Loncar 2006). VI is ranked sixth in the top ten causes of burden of disease in terms of disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) in low-income, middle-income and high-income countries (Chiang et al 2006).
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