Prevalence and causes of vision impairment in East Africa: A narrative review

Abstract

Background: Vision impairment (VI) affects the quality of life of individuals; it negatively impacts education, mobility and socioeconomic life, leading to dependency. Increased life expectancy is expected to drive a corresponding rise in the prevalence of VI. Timely and effective efforts are required to reduce the burden of VI. Accurate and up-to-date data regarding the prevalence and causes of VI are essential for practical planning to address its challenges and impact. This review therefore presents the prevalence of VI in East Africa.

Aim: This review sought to report the prevalence of VI in East Africa.

Setting: The study was conducted using findings of studies on VI from East Africa.

Method: A search of published literature was conducted using online databases including PubMed, Ovid, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Embase and Medline. The search was restricted to sources published in English and in peer-reviewed journals from January 2010 to November 2023. Only studies that stated the prevalence and causes of VI among the general population during the period in question were included.

Results: Twenty nine studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. The prevalence of VI reported in East Africa by the studies reviewed ranged from 1.6% to 42.1%.

Conclusion: The reported prevalence of VI in East Africa is higher than that reported in other regions of Africa and globally.

Contribution: The review highlights the need for adequate strategies and support to be channelled towards making eye care accessible and affordable in East Africa including the training of more eye health personnel.