THE RESULTS OF A VISUAL HEALTH SCREENING IN LISBON – THE IMPORTANCE OF PRIMARY PREVENTION

Abstract

Visual health problems are a major public health burden. Preventing avoidable visual impairment and blindness is a strategic objective of the national health program for 2011-2016. Population information, primary prevention and access to ophthalmological care are major aims of this program. The purpose of this project is to present the results of a visual health screening on the city of Lisbon. Retrospective analysis of the results of a visual health screening taken between September and November 2014. Each subject filled a questionnaire concerning demographic data, past medical history and past ophthalmologic history. Afterwards, an ophthalmological observation was undertaken, which included visual acuity (VA) evaluation and external eye observation. Referral for further ophthalmological evaluation was performed according to observation. General visual health information was provided. A total of 1955 subjects voluntarily participated in the screening. The majority were above 55 years of age, currently retired, with a low level of education. 13.2% stated that had never been evaluated by an ophthalmologist. Arterial Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus were the most common systemic diseases. 78.2% of the subjects had a refractive error (RE) correction. Cataract, ocular trauma and glaucoma were the most frequent past ophthalmologic problems. One third of the cases had subnormal VA. 18% of the individuals who had no RE correction had a VA inferior to 20/40. 327 subjects were referred for ophthalmological evaluation. Visual health screening is a fundamental strategy to provide information to the population and an effective method to identify individuals at risk of severe visual impairment.