Frequency and causes of vision loss and blindness
Vision loss and blindness continues to be a huge and overlooked problem in New Zealand.
In 2009, almost 125,000 New Zealanders aged 40 years or over had vision loss, representing 6.1% of the population in that age group. This number includes around 12,000 Māori. Around 12,000 New Zealanders were blind, with the largest proportion of these (86%) aged 70 years or over. A further 14,400 people had uncorrected presbyopia.
It is projected that the number of people aged 40 years or over with vision loss will rise to almost 174,000 by 2020 and those who are blind will rise to 18,300. In addition, the number of people with uncorrected presbyopia is projected to rise to 17,000 by 2020. This rise reflects the ageing population, and assumes a policy-neutral environment, and that the age and sex prevalence of vision loss in New Zealand remains the same in 2020.
Clear Focus defines vision loss as being less than the vision threshold for driving, which is measured as 6/12. The number means that an individual can see at six metres what a person with unimpaired vision could see at twelve metres. Blindness is defined as visual acuity of less than 6/60 or visual field of less than 10 degrees. Using these criteria, the estimated 12,000 blind New Zealanders would be eligible for RNZFB membership. Some of the 125,000 with vision loss would also be eligible.
Projections of New Zealanders aged 40 or over with vision loss
Almost 125,000 New Zealanders have vision loss.
Most vision loss is correctable, preventable or treatable.
Most vision loss was caused by uncorrected refractive error—around 55%. Cataract caused 13% of vision loss, age-related macular degeneration 9%, glaucoma 4% and diabetic retinopathy 2%.
Vision loss by cause among New Zealanders aged 40 or over, 2009
The most common causes of blindness were age-related macular degeneration (48%), glaucoma (16%), and cataract (11%).
Blindness by cause among New Zealanders aged 50 or over, 2009
Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in New Zealanders over 50.
Controlling cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and obesity can reduce the risk of developing AMD by nearly 50%.
This page is part of the overview report Clear Focus: The economic impact of vision loss in New Zealand in 2009.
