Epidemiology of eye diseases and infrastructure of ophthalmology in Poland.

ADMISSION: Untreated eye diseases are the leading cause of blindness in the world. Most people suffering from visual impairment is in the age group above 50 years of age. As many as 82% of people in this group is suffering from eye diseases.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to present the epidemiology of eye diseases and state of infrastructure of ophthalmology in Poland.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Based on data by WHO prepared review of world and Polish literature on issues in the field of ophthalmology and epidemiology of eye diseases. On the analysis developed epidemiological situation of the most common eye diseases--cataract, glaucoma and AMD--leading to loss of vision in Poland. Using databases CSIOZ, the Central Statistical Office and WHO listed infrastructure resources of ophthalmology in Poland.

RESULTS: The main eye diseases leading to blindness indicated cataract, glaucoma and macular degeneration. In 80% of cases, vision loss can be avoided by early detection and treatment.

CONCLUSIONS: Prevention and early detection is an essential tool for reducing the incidence of blindness, especially in elderly.