Frequency of Low Vision in the Elderly Population of the District of San Isidro from El General, Costa Rica, in the Second Half of 2012

Abstract

Low vision is currently a public health problem. It is worrying that the adult population has the highest levels of low vision impairment in the world. It is unknown how this reality affects Costa Rica, socially and productively, as there are no references in this regard; therefore, it is essential to conduct a specific analysis for our region. <em><strong>Objective</strong><em> to determine the prevalence of low vision in older adults in the District of San Isidro from El General, Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica. <em><strong>Materials and methods:</strong><em> cross-sectional study. 186 seniors were weighed up through random sampling. A visit was made to each of their homes, and their visual acuity was assessed. Those who showed abnormal results were referred to an optometric practice in order to evaluate their low vision with specialized equipment. <em><strong>Results:</strong><em> A total of eight patients (4.3%) with low vision were diagnosed. The cause in four of them was cataract. <em><strong>Conclusion:</strong><em> Although the prevalence of low vision found in older adults was lower than expected, there is a possibility that medical care is not the best, as their health care needs are not covered and chronic diseases are predominant among them. The lack of information about low vision contextualized for Costa Rica was also confirmed, as well as the importance of developing more epidemiological and clinical research on this topic.