Lack of data makes addressing eye disease in Latin America difficult

The authors used peer-reviewed studies and other sources to review what is known about the causes and prevalence of blindness and visual impairment in Latin American countries and attempted to identify the gaps in data that must be addressed in order for VISION 2020 plans to succeed.

Prevalence of blindness varied from 1.1 percent in Argentina to 4.1 percent in Guatemala in people 50 years of age and older, with the major cause being cataract. Diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma are starting to make serious inroads, although epidemiological data are limited, and AMD is now a concern in some populations. Infectious diseases, such as trachoma and onchocerciasis, are quickly diminishing. Although progress has been made, retinopathy of prematurity remains the major cause of childhood blindness.

The authors conclude that if VISION 2020 is to succeed, many more epidemiological studies will be needed in order to set priorities.