Self-reported visual impairment, impediment to daily living linked

Medical procedures aimed at preserving at least shape perception might help people at risk of blindness maintain their independence, according to a population-based French study.

Antoine Pierre Brézin, MD, PhD, and colleagues surveyed 16,945 people nationwide and divided them into four subgroups: blind/light perception, low vision, other visual problems or no visual problems. The purpose of the study was to estimate the prevalence of self-reported visual impairment and its association with disabilities, handicaps and socioeconomic consequences.

The prevalence of blindness was 0.1%; low vision was 1.94%. People who were blind needed more assistance that those with no visual problems; they also needed more house modifications.

Almost half the people with blindness (46.8%) and low vision (29%) were registered for social allowances. Social allowances increased considerably between those with low vision and those who were blind. Monthly household income was lower for those with low vision or blindness compared with those who had no visual problems.

The study is published in the August issue of Archives of Ophthalmology.