ral ssBioMed CentBMC Ophthalmology Open AcceResearch article Prevalence and causes of visual impairment in a Brazilian population: The Botucatu Eye Study

Background: This paper reports population-based data on the prevalence and causes of visual impairment among children and adults in Botucatu, Brazil. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted involving a random start point and then systematic sampling of an urban Brazilian population in the city of Botucatu. There were approximately 3 300 individuals aged 1 to 91 years who were eligible to participate in the study. Of this sample, 2485 (75.3%) underwent ophthalmic examination. The ophthalmic examination included uncorrected (presenting) and best corrected distance visual acuity using standardized protocols. The primary cause of decreased visual acuity was identified for all patients with visual impairment. Results: Presenting low vision and presenting blindness were found in 5.2 % (95 % CI: 4.3–6.1) and 2.2 % (95 % CI: 1.6–2.8) of the population, respectively. Unilateral presenting low vision and unilateral presenting blindness were found in 8.3 % (95 % CI: 7.2–9.5) and 3.7 % (95 % CI: 2.9–4.4) of the population respectively. Best corrected low vision was found in 1.3 % of the population (95% CI: 0.9–1.7) and best corrected blindness was discovered in 0.4 % of people (95 % CI: 0.2–0.7). Th