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Inequality in Vision Loss

Vision loss is unequally distributed.

90% of those with vision loss live in low- and middle-income countries.

Socioeconomic disadvantage

Vision loss is linked to socioeconomic disadvantage.

  • 90% of people with vision loss live in low- and middle-income countries
  • South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa experience the highest rates of vision loss.

Inequalities within regions, countries and communities also exist but are often masked by national averages.

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Map of world showing rates of vision loss, high in Africa and South Asia

Ageing

73% of people with vision loss are aged 50 years and older

Rates of vision loss increase quickly every decade above 50 years. Most of the world’s population with vision loss are aged 50 years and older.

Health promotion and early detection can delay or prevent many causes of vision loss.

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Infographic showing 73% of people with vision loss are aged over 50

Gender

Women and girls experience 55% of all vision loss

One reason for this is that is that women typically have a longer life expectancy than men. Beyond this, women experience a higher rate of vision loss, than men for many conditions across every stage of life.

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Infographic showing 609 million women (55%) have vision loss, compared to 497 million men (45%)