Varyvonchyk D. V.

P. L. Shupyk National Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education, Kyiv, Ukraine 

Abstract. Given a definition of policies and priorities to overcome the blindness based on epidemiological assess levels and causes of its prevalence at the global and national levels.

Purpose. To systematize terminology and definition of global epidemiological data on the prevalence of visual impairment. 

 Materials and methods. Conducted analysis of definitions and classifications of visual impairment and systematized epidemiological data on the levels and causes of blindness and low vision in the world, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

 Results. There were systematized terminology definitions relating to the issue of visual impairment in accordance with the WHO classification of the degree of impairment. It has been determined the main epidemiological characteristics of visual impairment in the world (the number of worldwide and regional WHO, age distribution, for reasons). An epidemiological data on refractive errors, cataracts, glaucoma, degenerative diseases of the eye, diabetic retinopathy, infectious diseases with the impression of an eye (onchocerciasis, leprosy, trachoma, human immunodeficiency virus / acquired immune deficiency syndrome), childhood blindness, xerophthalmia, eye injuries. The trends in changing epidemiology and prevention of visual impairment in the past 20 years.

 Conclusions. It was determined that the world worked out efficient organizational model, aimed at preventing blindness and improving the availability and quality of eye care. It is noted that the development of a national program of prevention of blindness and establishing effective epidemiological monitoring is the actual task, the realization of which efforts the ophthalmologists of Ukraine should be concentrated.

 Keywords: visual impairment, low vision, blindness, epidemiology, prevention.

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Received: 22 Nov. 2015

Published: April 2016