24% of Paraguayans over 50 have vision impairment, study finds

A recent official survey reveals that approximately 24% of Paraguayans over 50 experience some form of visual impairment. This finding positions vision loss as the foremost physical condition affecting this demographic, even exceeding hearing issues.

The preliminary results from the Third Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) survey, presented by the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare, indicate that 2.1% of this age group, roughly 27,362 individuals, are blind due to largely preventable causes. Cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness in the country, followed closely by glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

Severe visual impairment affects 1% of the population over 50 (about 17,255 people), while moderate impairment impacts 11.5% (around 145,802 individuals). Mild visual impairment, often due to uncorrected refractive errors, affects an additional 9.5%. In total, an estimated 236,000 Paraguayans over 50 have their quality of life diminished by eye problems.

The study highlights a particular warning for individuals with diabetes, who exhibit more severe vision loss and faster deterioration compared to those without the condition. This visual health census marks a scientific milestone for Paraguay, being the first nation in Latin America to conduct this research for the third time nationally, employing the advanced RAAB7 methodology. The project, supported by the World Health Organization and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, involved collaboration with the National Statistics Institute for a 95% precision rate after examining 7,385 adults across the country.