Key Findings from the Study on Vision Loss in China
The research on vision loss in China uncovered several important insights:
- While vision loss rates are lower than the global average, there has been an increase in moderate impairment and blindness cases from 1990 to 2019.
- Significant vision impairment is notably common among individuals aged 70 and older.
- The primary causes of blindness include cataracts (the leading cause), uncorrected refractive errors, and glaucoma.
- The blind population has grown by 64.35% due to aging and population growth, even with advancements in managing eye diseases.
- There is a need for enhanced public awareness regarding visual health, especially in relation to cataracts and refractive errors.
- Myopia is on the rise, particularly among children, attributed to increased screen time and reduced outdoor activities.
- Regional differences in vision loss highlight the need for targeted prevention strategies.
- The study acknowledges potential biases in data collection as a limitation.
Prevalence of Vision Impairment Among the Chinese Population
Extracts from International Journals Published 2019-2022
Eye Diseases in the Chinese and Non-Chinese Populations Worldwide
Table Showing Individuals in China face a high rate of myopia and various eye conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.
| Eye Disease | Non-Chinese | Chinese | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Eye Syndrome | 33.7% (Americans) | 31.4% | Aier Eye Institute, Wuhan China - 12/2021 |
| Diabetic Retinopathy | 11.5% (Malaya), 17.1% (Indian) | 18.8% | ARVO Journal, 09/2011 |
| Age-Related Macular Degeneration | 15.5% (Japanese) | 09.5% (Chinese American) | JAMA Journal, Sep 2026 |
| Early Presbiopia (Need Reading Glasses at 48 years) | 36% (Finland), 47% (Brazil), 09% (Tanzania) | 80% (Chinese American), 67% (Chinese) | Invest Ophthalmology Journal, July 2020 |
| Nuclear Cataract (Age 65-75 years) | 63% (Indian), 43% (Turkish) | 51.98% | Ophthalmic Epidemiology Journal, Sep 2020 |
| Myopia (Before age 10 years) | 42% (Singaporean), 18% (Australian), 11.98% (African, Ugandan) | 31% | EYE Journal, 02/2016 |
| Glaucoma (Narrow Angle) | 11% (Indians), 10.6% (Germans), 12.5% (Russians) | 26% | ARVO Conference, 2020 |
Graph Showing Geographical Distribution and Global Burden of Eye Diseases in the Chinese Population
