Zusammenfassung
Eine Sehbehinderung führt zu erhöhter Morbidität im Alter und erhöht das Sterberisiko.
Neueste Studien weisen außerdem darauf hin, dass die mit Sehbehinderung und Blindheit
assoziierten Kosten in Industrieländern wahrscheinlich weitaus höher sind, als bisher
angenommen. Ohne erfolgreiche Interventionen wird sich die Zahl Sehbehinderter weltweit
in den nächsten 20 Jahren aufgrund steigender Bevölkerungszahlen und einer steigenden
Lebenserwartung verdoppeln. Sollte es nicht zu einer bedeutenden weltweiten Reduzierung
vermeidbarer Sehbehinderung und Blindheit kommen, hätte dies enorme soziale und ökonomische
Folgen. Im Kontrast dazu steht, dass drei Viertel aller Fälle von Sehbehinderung vermeidbar
und damit unnötig sind. Das Problem Sehbehinderung verdient eine weitaus höhere Aufmerksamkeit
in der Bevölkerung sowie auf politischer Ebene.
Abstract
Vision Impairment in the elderly is significantly related to increased morbidity as
well as mortality rates. Recent studies suggest the true costs associated with visual
impairment and blindness to be much higher than reported previously. Without successful
interventions the number of visually impaired or blind people world-wide will double
within the next 20 years. The lack of a significant world-wide reduction in avoidable
visual impairment and blindness would have substantial social as well as economical
consequences. In contrast, three-quarters of all visual impairments are avoidable
and therefore unnecessary. In summary, vision Impairment deserves a higher degree
of attention by the public as well as from governments.
Schlüsselwörter
Sehbehinderung - Blindheit - Prävalenz - Morbidität - Mortalität - direkte Kosten
- indirekte Kosten
Key words
Vision impairment - blindness - prevalence - morbidity - mortality - direct costs
- indirect costs
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Dr. Andreas Müller
Centre for Eye Research Australia, The University of Melbourne
32 Gisborne St., East Melbourne
VIC 3002, Australien
Email: mullera@unimelb.edu.au
