AIM: To investigate the incidence and demographic characteristics of blindness and low vision, and to set out a specific eye health education in Zaozhuang, Shandong Province.

METHODS: The medical records of admission screening in preschoolers, cataract extraction project and medical outreach program in Zaozhuang were retrospective studied. A total of 12 685 people participated in the study, among those 7 962 were males, and 4 723 were females. 2 262 cases were in low age group(aged 2.5-15), 4 684 cases were in young age group(aged 15-50), and 5 739 cases were in elder age group(aged>50). The examination protocol included visual acuity testing, intraocular pressure, computer optometry, anterior segment examination using slit lamp biomicroscopy, and fundus examination. The family history, ocular trauma, surgery and drug treatment were also recorded.

RESULTS: The incidence of blindness and low vision in low age group(423 patients)was 3.33%. The leading causes were amblyopia, ametropia, ocular trauma, and retinopathy of the premature, etc. The incidence of blindness and low vision in young age group(239 patients)was 1.88%. The main causes were ocular trauma, high myopia, and retinal detachment, etc. The incidence of blindness and low vision in old age group(597 patients)was 4.71%. The primary causes were cataract, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration, etc. The incidence of blindness and low vision increased with the age, and it was higher in females.

CONCLUSION: The incidence of blindness and low vision in all groups, of which the leading causes are different, is higher than that of China. Early detection and treatment are important for low age patients, which can significantly increase the visual outcome. It's necessary for young patients to receive health education on common ocular diseases and labor protection. For elder patients, early cataract extraction surgery and treatment for ocular fundus disease are critical.