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BLINDNESS IN NEW SOUTH WALES An estimate of the prevalence and some of the contributing causes
Author(s) -
BANKS C. NEVILLE,
HUTTON WARWICK K
Publication year - 1981
Publication title -
australian journal of opthalmology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.3
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1442-9071
pISSN - 0310-1177
DOI - 10.1111/j.1442-9071.1981.tb00923.x
Subject(s) - blindness , medicine , population , disease , optometry , low vision , diabetes mellitus , demography , pediatrics , environmental health , pathology , sociology , endocrinology
The information available on the prevalence of blindness in Australia is examined in an attempt to estimate the number of blind people in New South Wales. Records of the causes of blindness made by the authors at the Royal Blind Society's Low Vision Clinic arethen examined to estimate their relative significance. If blindness is to be prevented, a more detailed analysis of causes will be needed. This could be obtained by examination and coding of the records for Disability (Blind) Pensions at the Department of Social Security. There are at least seven thousand people blind, out of a total population of 5,145,900. Macula pathology contributes 37.2% and 81.5% of those affected are over 60 years old. Diabetes is responsible for approximately 10%. Genetically determined disease causes 25% between ages 16 and 60 years. Blindness in Aboriginals is not discussed.