AIM: To investigate of the prevalence of visual impairment and blindness, leading causes among adults aged ≥50y in Guilin.

METHODS: Random sampling analysis was performed in 10 252 individuals chosen as the sample aged ≥50 years in 5 districts and 12 counties of Guilin. The name, sex, age, ethnic, cultural level, economic status, history of illness, smoking, drinking were recorded. General information and eye testing results were registered into computer. The results were analyzed by SPSS 19.0 software.

RESULTS:A total of 10 252 people were surveyed, including 4 958 men(48.4%), and 5 294 women(51.6%), 9 218 Han nationality people(89.9%), 1 034 minority people(10.1%). The top three blinding eye diseases in Guilin were cataract(0.7%), macular lesion(0.2%), diabetic retinopathy(0.1%).

CONCLUSION: Cataract is stillthe leading cause of vision loss among adults aged ≥50y currently in Guilin. Vision loss and blindness caused by diseases such as hypertension, diabetes incidence has a certain growing degree. Strengthening basic health education, improving the medical resources are still the key point of preventing and treating blindness work in future.