Abstract
We evaluated the prevalence of visual impairment (VI) and blindness among Chinese adults in the Singapore Chinese Eye Study (SCES, 2009–2011), and compared the trends with the Tanjong Pagar Survey, Singapore (TPS), conducted a decade earlier. The SCES comprised of 3,353 Chinese adults aged ≥40 years (response rate, 72.8%). Participants underwent standardized examinations, including measurements of presenting, and best-corrected visual acuity (VA). Bilateral VI (VA < 20/40 to ≥20/200) and blindness (VA < 20/200) were defined based on the United States definition (better-seeing eye). Age-standardized prevalence was calculated using the 2010 Singapore Chinese Population Census. Primary causes and factors associated with VI and blindness were evaluated. In SCES, the age-standardized prevalence of presenting bilateral VI and blindness were 17.7% and 0.6%, respectively; the age-standardised prevalence of best-corrected bilateral VI and blindness were 3.4% and 0.2%, respectively. The previous TPS reported similar rates of best-corrected bilateral VI (3.8%) and blindness (0.3%). In SCES, cataract remains the main cause for both best-corrected bilateral VI (76.0%) and blindness (50.0%). Older age, female, lower income, lower educational level, and smaller housing type were associated with presenting bilateral VI or blindness (all P ≤ 0.025). These findings will be useful for the planning of eye care services and resource allocation.
Highlights
In Singapore, Chinese make up the largest ethnic group and currently account for 74.3% of the Singapore population[7]
In Singapore Chinese Eye Study (SCES), based on presenting VA (PVA) and U.S definition, age-standardised prevalence of bilateral blindness was 0.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.3–0.9%), 17.7% for bilateral visual impairment (VI), 2.1% for unilateral blindness, and 21.1% for unilateral VI (Table 2)
Based on best-corrected VA (BCVA) and U.S definition, the age-standardized prevalence of bilateral blindness was 0.2%, 3.4% for bilateral VI, 1.6% for unilateral blindness, and 8.2% for unilateral VI (Table 2)
Summary
In Singapore, Chinese make up the largest ethnic group and currently account for 74.3% of the Singapore population[7]. The Singapore Chinese Eye Study (SCES) was conducted between 2009–2011 with the key objective to obtain contemporary information on the prevalence of VI and blindness, their causes and key risk factors The purpose of this current report was to evaluate the prevalence rates and causes of VI and blindness among Chinese adults in the SCES, and to compare the trends with the TPS, conducted a decade earlier. This information will help to improve the understanding on the long-term trends of blinding ocular diseases in Chinese adults residing in Singapore, and will be useful for the future planning of health services and preventive programs for VI and blindness
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