AIM:To investigate prevalence and causes of blindness and low vision of type 2 diabetes(T2DM)in Yangxin county, Hubei province.

METHODS: A total of 8 316 permanent residents, to carry out epidemiological survey of blindness and low vision. Carolina First T2DM patients were in the observation group, the other subjects admitted to the control group. Prevalence and etiology of blind and low vision were compared. Then the data only in the observation group were analyzed.

RESULTS:The rate of blindness and low vision appeared significantly higher, cataracts and retinopathy appeared significantly higher. With the increases of age, prevalence of blindness and low vision appeared significantly increased in the observation group. The rate of low vision was higher in women. Blind and low vision appeared significantly higher in junior high school educations. The above analysis was statistically significant(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of blindness and low vision of T2DM patients in our region were significantly higher than the unconsolidated. Blind and low vision in T2DM patients has a certain relationship with age, sex, education.