[An Epidemiological Survey of Blindness and Low Vision in Hebei Province]

Following the national unified criteria and methods, an epidemiological survey of blindness and low vision was carried out in Hebei Province from April to June, 1987. In 77,948 persons examined, there were 291 cases of bilateral blindness, representing a prevalence of 0.37% (male 0.29%, female 0.45%, urban areas 0.19%, plain areas 0.42%, and mountainous areas 0.36%). The prevalences of monocular blindness, bilateral and monocular low vision were 0.72%, 0.57% and 0.30% respectively. Subjects over 60 years of age had significantly higher prevalences of bilateral blindness and low vision. The chief blinding diseases were cataract, trachoma complications, corneal disease and glaucoma, in order of importance.