National survey of blindness and low vision in Lebanon

Abstract

AIMS To survey level of blindness and low vision in Lebanon. METHODS A population survey was undertaken in 10 148 individuals to measure the prevalence and identify the causes of blindness in Lebanon. RESULTS The prevalence of blindness was 0.6% and that of low vision 3.9%. The major causes of blindness were cataract (41.3%) and uncorrected large refractive error (12.6%). CONCLUSION Most causes of blindness in Lebanon can be controlled by various educational and medical programmes.