What are the leading causes of vision impairment globally?

The leading causes of vision impairment globally primarily include uncorrected refractive errors and cataracts. Uncorrected refractive errors, such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, are prevalent worldwide and can often be effectively managed with corrective lenses or surgery. Cataracts, which involve the clouding of the lens in the eye, are also a significant cause of vision loss, particularly in older populations.

The impact of these two conditions is substantial, as they can lead to preventable blindness if left untreated. Public health initiatives focusing on vision screening and access to corrective lenses or cataract surgery can significantly reduce the incidence of visual impairment due to these conditions.

Other factors, such as age-related changes, genetic factors, and injuries, do play a role in vision health but are not as universally impactful or preventable as uncorrected refractive errors and cataracts. Therefore, understanding and addressing the global burden of vision impairment must prioritize these leading causes to improve visual outcomes for populations worldwide.