Visually impaired people are at greater risk of mortality for all reasons

The world’s population is aging, so are their eyes. Indeed, the number of visually impaired and blind people is expected to more than double over the next 30 years.

Analysis in Lancet Global Health, comprising 48,000 people from 17 studies, found that people with visual impairment had a higher risk of multi-cause mortality compared to those with normal or low vision.

According to the data, mortality risk was 29% higher for participants with low vision, compared to normal vision. The risk goes up to 89% among those with severe vision.

Importantly, four out of five cases of visual impairment can be prevented or corrected. Globally, the main causes of vision loss and blindness are both avoidable: cataract and the unmet need for glasses.

The lead author of the study, Joshua Ehrlich, MD, MPH, wanted to better understand the link between visual disabilities and all-cause mortality.

The work builds on some of Ehrlich’s recent research, also in the Lancet World Health Commission on Global Eye Health, which identified the impact of lifelong sight loss on health and well-being, including its impact on depression, depression, and loss of independence. .

It is important that these issues are addressed early because the loss of your vision affects more than just how you see the world; it affects your knowledge of the world and your life. This analysis provides an important opportunity not only to promote health and well-being, but also longevity by correcting, rehabilitating and preventing avoidable vision loss globally. “

Joshua Ehrlich, MD, MPH, Lead author of the study