Causes of Visual Impairment Among Patients Applying for the Visually Disability Certification

There are at least 2.2 billion individuals with near- or far-sightedness worldwide. Nearly half of these cases-at At least 1 billion-have untreated vision impairment that may have been avoided. The leading cause of blindness or impaired distant vision among these 1 billion people is diabetic retinopathy (3.9 million), age-related macular degeneration (8 million), cataracts (94 million), refractive error (88.4 million), and glaucoma (7.7 million). Presbyopia (826 million) is the primary ailment that impairs close vision.

According to estimates, there are four times as many cases of distant vision impairment in low- and middle-income areas as there are in high-income areas.

Aging populations and population expansion are predicted to raise the likelihood that more people may have visual impairment. Early on, irreversible severe visual impairment in young children can lead to delayed motor, verbal, emotional, social, and cognitive development, which can have long-term effects. Children of school age who are visually impaired may also perform less academically. The quality of life is significantly impacted by vision impairment in adult populations. Adults who are visually impaired may have greater rates of anxiety and depression as well as decreased employment rates.

Vision impairment in older persons can increase their risk of falling and breaking bones, walking difficulties, social isolation, and early admission into nursing homes or other care facilities.

According to estimates, vision impairment costs the world's economy $411 billion annually in lost productivity (purchasing power parity) . This amount is greatly above the predicted $25 billion cost gap incurred from treating vision impairment.

This study is to demonstrate the causes of visual impairment in upper Egypt among the different age groups and evaluate the possibility of preventing these disorders

Inclusion criteria

• All patients referred to The Ministry of Social Solidarity with visual Disability in upper Egypt who were examined in the visual disability screening program from 2020-2024.

Exclusion criteria

• The patients who had decreased vision but did not fit with the WHO definition of visual disability.