[Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of Jingfang Granules in treatment of common cold(wind-cold syndrome)].

Jingfang Granules have the effects of inducing sweating to releasing exterior, dispersing wind and dispelling dampness. Modern studies have demonstrated that it has antipyretic and antiviral activities. Therefore, this trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Jingfang Granules in the treatment of common cold(wind-cold syndrome). A total of 138 common cold(wind-cold syndrome) patients meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were randomly assigned into the experimental group(n=92) and the placebo group(n=46) at a ratio of 2∶1 and respectively received Jingfang Granules and Jingfang Granules simulation agent. The treatment lasted for 5 d, and the follow-up time was 8 d. Recovery time was employed as the main indicator of efficacy. The median reco-very time of the experimental group was 3.33 d, shorter than that 7.00 d of the placebo group. The efficacy of the experimental group was better than that of the placebo group(P<0.000 1). The major symptom severity score-time AUC of the experimental group was 489.90±206.95, which was smaller than that of the placebo group(763.50±339.53). The recovery rate and marked effective rate of the experimental group were higher than those of the placebo group, The above outcomes were statistically significant between the two groups(P<0.05). The disappearance time and rate of single symptoms including aversion to cold, nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, headache, pharyngeal itching/pain, white sputum, and somatalgia also had significant differences between the two groups(P<0.05), indicating that Jingfang Granules had good performance in alleviating the above symptoms. During the study period, one case of the experimental group had a slight increase in serum creatinine, which returned to the normal level after re-examination. The incidence of adverse reactions was 1.10%, and no serious adverse reaction was found. The two groups had no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions. In conclusion, Jingfang Granules can significantly shorten the course of common cold(wind-cold syndrome) and quickly alleviate the clinical symptoms, demonstrating good safety and clinical advantages.

Long-term high-fat diet inhibits hippocampal expression of insulin receptor substrates and accelerates cognitive deterioration in obese rats / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the effect of long-term high-fat diet on the expressions of insulin receptor substrates in the hippocampus and spatial learning and memory ability of obese rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 100 4-week-old male SD rats were randomly divided into two groups and fed with common diet (CD group, n=40) or high-fat diet (HFD group, n=60) for 16 weeks. At 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 weeks, 8 rats were randomly selected from each group for testing their spatial learning and memory function using Morris water maze. After the tests, the rats were sacrificed for measurement of the metabolic parameters and detection of the expressions of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) and IRS-2 mRNAs in the CA1 region of the hippocampus.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with those in CD group, the rats in HFD group showed a prolonged escape latency, longer swimming distance, faster average swimming speed, and shorter stay in the platformat 12 weeks. In HFD group, the serum levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and fasting insulin were all significantly increased (P<0.05) and the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased (P<0.01) in comparison with those in CD group at each of the time points. No significant difference was found in fast glucose levels between the two groups (P>0.05), but the expressions of IRS-1 and IRS-2 mRNAs were significantly decreased in HFD group at 12 weeks (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In obese rats, long-term feeding with high-fat diet leads to insulin resistance, which interferes with hippocampal expression of insulin receptor substrates and insulin metabolism to cause impairment of the cognitive function and accelerate cognitive deterioration.</p>

[Overall and intensively conduct the prevention of blindness in China: explaining the National Plan for the Prevention of Blindness (2012-2015)].

The National Plan for the Prevention of Blindness(2012-2015) issued by Ministry of Health and China Disabled Person Federation last year is an important procedure for further promoting the prevention of blindness and reach the great goal for eliminating the avoidable blindness by 2020 in China. The Plan clearly describe the social nature of the prevention of blindness, correctly explain the current situation for prevention of blindness in China, put forward the guidance idea, working principles, goals and contents, and the guarantee measures in the next four years in the prevention of blindness in China. The leaders in ophthalmology and ophthalmologists in China should learn and practice the Plan for the more progress in the prevention of blindness.

[Prevalence and causes of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment among adults aged 50 years or above in Yongchuan District of Chongqing City: the China Nine-Province survey].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and causes of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment among adults aged 50 years or above in Yongchuan of Chongqing City, China. METHODS: It was a population-based cross-section study.Geographically defined cluster sampling was used in randomly selecting 5663 individuals aged ≥ 50 years in Yongchuan District. The survey was preceded by a pilot study where operational methods were refined and quality assurance evaluation was carried out. All participants were enumerated through village registers followed door-to-door visits.Eligible individuals were invited to receive visual acuity measurement and eye examination. Prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment was calculated according to different age, gender or education. And the reasons of blindness were analyzed.Statistical analyses were performed using Stata/SE Statistical Software, release 9.0. Chi-square test was used to investigate the association of age, gender and education with presenting and best corrected visual acuity. RESULTS: Five thousands six hundreds and sixty-three individuals were enumerated and 5390 persons were examined, the response rate was 95.18%. Based on the criteria of World Health Organization visual impairment classification in 1973, the prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment defined as best corrected visual acuity was 2.12% (114/5390) and 5.40% (291/5390) respectively. The prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment defined as presenting visual acuity was 2.49% (134/5390) and 10.71% (577/5390) respectively. The prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment was higher in aged (trend χ(2) = 951.32, P = 0.000) , female (χ(2) = 33.35, P = 0.000) and illiterate (trend χ(2) equals; 141.32, P = 0.000) persons. Cataract was still the first leading cause of blindness and visual impairment.Un-corrected refractive error also was the main cause of visual impairment. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment is relatively higher among older adults aged 50 years or above in Yongchuan District. The first leading cause of blindness and visual impairment is still cataract.

[Prevalence and causes of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment among adults aged 50 years or above in Longyao County of Hebei Province:the China Nine-Province survey].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and causes of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment among adults aged ≥ 50 years in Longyao County, Hebei Province, China. METHODS: It was a population-based cross-section study.Geographically defined cluster sampling was used in randomly selecting 5527 individuals aged ≥ 50 years in Longyao County. The survey was preceded by a pilot study where operational methods were refined and quality assurance evaluation was carried out. All participants were enumerated through village registers followed door-to-door visits.Eligible individuals were invited to receive visual acuity measurement and eye examination. Prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment was calculated according to different age, gender or education. And the reasons of blindness were analyzed.Statistical analyses were performed using Stata/SE Statistical Software, release 9.0. Chi-square test was used to investigate the association of age, gender and education with presenting and best corrected visual acuity. RESULTS: Five thousands five hundreds and twenty-seven individuals were enumerated and 5051 persons were examined, the response rate was 91.39%. Based on the criteria of World Health Organization visual impairment classification in 1973, the prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment defined as best corrected visual acuity was 1.05% (53/5051) and 3.46% (175/5051) respectively. The prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment defined as presenting visual acuity was 1.48% (75/5051) and 7.94% (401/5051) respectively. The prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment was higher in aged (trend χ(2) = 897.27, P = 0.000) , female (χ(2) = 30.32, P = 0.000), illiterate (trend χ(2) = 83.20, P = 0.000) persons. Cataract was still the first leading cause of blindness. Un-corrected refractive error also was the main cause of visual impairment. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment is relatively lower among China Nine Province Survey. The first leading cause of blindness and visual impairment is still cataract.

[Prevalence and causes of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment among adults aged 50 years or above in Changji City of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region: the China Nine-Province survey].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and causes of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment among adults aged ≥ 50 years in Changji City of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. METHODS: It was a population-based cross-section study.Geographically defined cluster sampling was used in randomly selecting 5714 individuals aged ≥ 50 years in Changji City. The survey was preceded by a pilot study where operational methods were refined and quality assurance evaluation was carried out. All participants were enumerated through village registers followed door-to-door visits.Eligible individuals were invited to received visual acuity measurement and eye examination. Prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment was calculated according to different age, gender or education. And the reasons of blindness were analyzed.Statistical analyses were performed using Stata/SE Statistical Software, release 9.0. Chi-square test was used to investigate the association of age, gender and education with presenting and best corrected visual acuity. RESULTS: Five thousands seven hundreds and fourteen individuals were enumerated and 5250 persons were examined, the response rate was 91.88%. Based on the criteria of World Health Organization visual impairment classification in 1973, the prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment defined as best corrected visual acuity was 0.74% (39/5250) and 3.83% (201/5250) respectively. The prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment defined as presenting visual acuity was 1.33% (70/5250) and 8.02% (421/5250) respectively. The prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment was higher in aged (trend χ(2) = 617.06, P = 0.000) , illiterate (trend χ(2) = 222.35, P = 0.000) persons. Cataract and was the first leading cause of blindness and visual impairment, the retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, high myopic retinopathy, and diabetic retinopathy, were the second cause of blindness and visual impairment.Un-corrected refractive error was also the important cause of the visual blindness. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment is not high among older adults aged ≥ 50 years in Changji City. The first main causes of blindness and visual impairment includes cataract, retinal diseases and un-corrected refractive error.

[Prevalence and causes of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment among adults aged 50 years or above in Luxi County of Yunnan Province: the China Nine-Province survey].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and causes of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment among adults aged ≥ 50 years in Luxi County of Yunnan Province, China. METHODS: It was a population-based cross-section study. Geographically defined cluster sampling was used in randomly selecting 5575 individuals aged ≥ 50 years in Luxi County. The survey was preceded by a pilot study where operational methods were refined and quality assurance evaluation was carried out. All participants were enumerated through village registers followed door-to-door visits.Eligible individuals were invited to receive visual acuity measurement and eye examination. Prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment was calculated according to different age, gender or education. And the reasons of blindness were analyzed.Statistical analyses were performed using Stata/SE Statistical Software, release 9.0. Chi-square test was used to investigate the association of age, gender and education with presenting and best corrected visual acuity. RESULTS: Five thousands five hundreds and seventy-five individuals were enumerated and 5151 persons were examined, the response rate was 92.39%. Based on the criteria of World Health Organization visual impairment classification in 1973, the prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment defined as best corrected visual acuity was 4.95% (255/5151) and 9.51% (490/5151) , respectively. The prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment defined as presenting visual acuity was 5.40% (278/5151) and 15.84% (816/5151) , respectively. The prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment was higher in aged (χ(2) = 1349.21, P = 0.000) , illiterate (χ(2) = 203.55, P = 0.000) persons. Cataract was still the first leading cause of blindness and visual impairment. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment is highest in China Nine-Province Survey among older adults aged ≥ 50 years in Luxi County. The first leading cause of blindness and visual impairment is still cataract.

Impact of combination use of 0.004% travoprost and 2% pilocarpine on matrix metalloproteinases synthesized by rabbit ciliary muscle: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the impact of combination use of prostaglandin analogue and cholinergic agonists on main matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) synthesized by albino rabbit ciliary muscle. METHODS: Normal adult albino rabbits were divided into the control group, 2% pilocarpine group, 0.004% travoprost group and travoprost plus pilocarpine group. Two rabbits in the control group were executed after treated with normal saline for one day. Two rabbits were separately executed on the 7th, 14th and 24th day of the treatment in each drug treated group. In each subgroup ciliary muscle band of 4 eyes was taken and made into homogenate. The MMPs activities of 10 subgroups were assayed by zymography. Bands' intensity which represents the activity of MMPs was measured by the UltraViolet Illumination system. RESULTS: A bright band of MMP-1/2 was showed on each lane at the position corresponding to the molecular weight of 62 kD in the ciliary smooth muscles electrophoresis. When ion Zn and Ca was displaced by MMPs inhibitor EDTA, this bright band disappeared. Compared with the control group, MMP1/2 activity increased by 4.0%, 4.1% and 14.0% after 7, 14 and 24 days of pilocarpine treatment. Corresponding data was 23.2%, 61.7% and 111.5% in the travoprost group and 49.3%, 68.0% and 88.4% in the travoprost plus pilocarpine group. CONCLUSIONS: Pilocarpine has little effect on activity of MMP1/2. Travoprost can increase activity of MMP1/2 gradually. Activity of MMP1/2 is rapidly increased by pilocarpine combined with travoprost, but shows small change with the prolonged treatment.

[Expression of Nogo-A, NgR mRNA and protein in the retina of rats with chronic elevated intraocular pressure].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of Nogo-A and its receptor NgR mRNA and protein in the retina of rats with chronic elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). METHODS: Experimental study. Rat chronic ocular hypertension (OHT) was induced by obstructing episcleral veins and temporal limber veins. The retinal tissues were collected at day 3, 7, 14 and 28 after the IOP elevated in rats. Each group includes 16 rats and one group served as normal control. Expression of Nogo-A and NgR mRNA was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), while the protein levels of Nogo-A and NgR were expressed by the western blot in rat retinal tissues in different groups. Expression of Nogo-A, NgR mRNA and protein were analysed by one way analysis of variance (ANOV) and multiple comparison ANOV. RESULTS: IOP in rat OHT group was significantly increased after day 3 lasting for 28 day. Compared with control group, the level of Nogo-A mRNA and protein in rat chronic OHT groups were significantly (mRNA: F = 7.464, protein: F = 5.677; P < 0.01) increased at day 7, 14, and 28 (mRNA: 0.661 ± 0.065 vs 0.831 ± 0.055, 0.813 ± 0.063, 0.844 ± 0.077, protein: 1.284 ± 0.043 vs 1.359 ± 0.033, 1.381 ± 0.063, 1.361 ± 0.044), respectively. There is a tendency of increase of Nogo-A mRNA expression at day 3 but did not reach statistical significance. However, the level of NgR in the retina in rats with the chronic OHT was not significantly (mRNA:F = 0.598, protein:F = 0.460; P > 0.01) changed compared with normal group. CONCLUSION: The increased expression of Nogo-A in retina of rat OHT indicates that Nogo-A may play a primary role in obstructing regeneration of optic nerve, which is mediated by other receptors and elements rather than NgR.

[Expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors in rat conjunctival fibroblasts].

OBJECTIVE: To detect the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR) in cultured rat conjunctival fibroblasts. METHODS: Experimental study. Conjunctiva was obtained from each eye of five Sprague Dawley (SD) rats under local anesthesia. Tissues were minced and grown in culture flask containing Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's medium (DMEM). The fibroblasts were identified by observing cell morphology, and the expression of staining of cytokeratin and vimentin by inverted microscopy and indirect immunofluorescence technique. mRNA primers were designed for VEGF(164), VEGFR-1 (Flt-1), and VEGFR-2 (Flk-1). mRNA was extracted by Trizol method. cDNA was synthesized under the action of RNA reverse transcriptase. Ladder-like pattern of DNA fragmentation appeared upon 2% agarose gel electrophoresis. The amplification curves and dissociation curves of VEGF(164), VEGFR-1(Flt-1), and VEGFR-2 (Flk-1) were detected by realtime polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The expression of VEGFR-1 on fibroblast was observed by immunofluorescence technique. RESULTS: The fluorescent staining was negative in cytokeratin of fibroblasts, but was positive in vimentin of fibroblasts. The mRNA expressions of VEGF(164), VEGFR-1 (Flt-1) and VEGFR-2 (Flk-1) were detected in fibroblast and verified by gene sequencing. The peaks of the dissociation curves were all steep and specific. The fluorescent staining of VEGFR-1 was positive. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that the expression of VEGF, VEGF receptors, and VEGFR-1 cytokine in rat conjunctival fibroblasts suggests that anti-VEGF compounds may exert a direct influence to the growth of rat conjunctival fibroblast.

[Prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment among adults aged 50 years or above in Ji'an county of Jiangxi province:the China Nine-Province Survey].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment among adults aged 50 years or above in Ji'an county of Jiangxi province, China. METHODS: It was a population-based cross-section study. Geographically defined cluster sampling was used in 5402 randomly selected individuals aged ≥ 50 years in 28 clusters in Ji'an from September to November 2006. The survey was preceded by a pilot study where operational methods were refined and quality assurance evaluation was carried out. All participants were enumerated through village registers followed door-to-door visits. Eligible individuals were invited to receive visual acuity measurement and eye examination. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata/SE Statistical Software, release 9.0. Chi-square test was used to investigate the association of age, gender and education with presenting and best corrected visual acuity. RESULTS: Five thousands four hundreds and two individuals were enumerated and 5010 persons were examined, the response rate was 92.74%. Based on the criteria of World Health Organization visual impairment classification in 1973, 78 persons were diagnosed as blindness, 265 persons were diagnosed as moderate and severe visual impairment defined as best corrected visual acuity, the prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment were 1.56% and 5.29% respectively. Ninety-four persons were diagnosed as blindness, 726 persons were diagnosed as moderate and severe visual impairment defined as presenting visual acuity, the prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment defined as presenting visual acuity was 1.88% and 14.50% respectively. The prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment was higher in aged (trend χ(2) = 970.15, P = 0.000), female (χ(2) = 89.81, P = 0.000), and illiterate persons (trend χ(2) = 241.85, P = 0.000). Cataract was still the first leading cause of blindness and visual impairment, the retinal diseases was the second. Un-corrected refractive error also was the main cause of visual impairment. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment was higher than other district in China. The first leading cause of blindness and visual impairment is still cataract.

[Prevalence of blindness and low vision among adults aged 50 years or above in Ji'an county of Jiangxi province: the China nine-province survey].

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of cataract, the outcomes of cataract surgery, cataract surgical coverage rate, cataract blindness social burden rate in Ji'an county of Jiangxi province, China. METHODS: Cluster sampling was used in randomly selected 5010 individuals aged ≥ 50 years in Ji'an county of Jiangxi province. All individuals were received visual acuity and eye examination, including the evaluation of lens status and cataract surgical status by slit lamp biomicroscopy. Data bank was established by Epi-info Software. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata/SE Statistical Software, release 9.0 (Stata Corp, College Station, TX). Confidence intervals and P values (considered significance at the P < 0.05 level) for prevalence of cataract, cataract surgical coverage rate, cataract blindness social burden rate and outcomes of surgery were calculated with adjustment for clustering effects and stratification associated with the sampling design. RESULTS: In 5010 individuals, 1158 cases of cataract were found, the prevalence of cataract was 23.11% among adults aged 50 or above. The prevalence of cataract was higher in the aged, female (P < 0.01). In 99 eyes with cataract surgery, 50.51% and 5.05% of eyes were performed by the modern extra-capsular surgery and phacoemulsification respectively. The rate of intraocular lens implantation was 55.56%. Post-operative presenting and best corrected visual acuity equal to or more than 0.7 was 10.1% and 45.5% of operated eyes respectively. The main causes of the post-operated eyes with worse visual acuity were post-capsular opacity and refractive error. The cataract surgical coverage rate was 32.29%, and the cataract blindness social burden rate was 3.83%. The cataract surgical rate was lower and cataract blindness social burden rate was higher in the aged persons (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Cataract is the most common eye disease that may lead into blindness and severe visual impairment among older adults aged equal or more than 50 years. The cataract surgical coverage rate is not high but the cataract blindness social burden rate is heavy in Ji'an county. The rate of intraocular lens implantation need increase and the visual outcomes of the surgery should be further improved in the future.

[Contrast visual acuity in adults with normal visual acuity].

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the contrast visual acuity (CVA) in Chinese normal adults and to study the effects of different contrast levels between the optotypes and background, age and sex on the CVA. METHODS: It was a cross-sectional study. Three hundreds and fifty-three normal adults with age from 20 to 70 years were selected as the normal adults (naked visual acuity equal or more than 0.8, and equivalent sphere diopter -1.00 - +1.00 DS, astigmatic diopter -0.75 - +0.75 DC). After conducting eye and refractive examination, all examinee were received the CVA measurements in the different contrast levels between the optotypes and background (100%, 25%, 10% and 5%) in the dark room by the multifunction visual acuity chart. SPSS 18.0 software package was used for one-way ANOVA (analysis of variance), Spearman correlation and paired t test. RESULTS: In the normal adults, CVA significantly decreased by the decrease of the contrast level between optotypes and background (F(OD) = 1317.21, P < 0.01; F(OS) = 991.09, P < 0.01; F(OU) = 1223.87, P < 0.01). In the same contrast level between optotypes and background, CVA significantly decreased by aging (F(100%CVAOD) = 10.86, P = 0.000; F(25%CVAOD) = 11.54, P = 0.000; F(10%CVAOD) = 7.63, P = 0.000; F(5%CVAOD) = 4.88, P = 0.001; F(100%CVAOS) = 15.26, P = 0.000; F(25%CVAOS) = 16.93, P = 0.000; F(10%CVAOS) = 8.33, P = 0.000; F(5%CVAOS) = 4.08, P = 0.003; F(100%CVAOU) = 11.87, P = 0.000; F(25%CVAOU) = 15.08, P = 0.000; F(10%CVAOU) = 11.71, P = 0.000; F(5%CVAOU) = 9.51, P = 0.000). CVA in the high contrast was similar between male and female, however, there was a significantly difference in CVA in the low contrast between male and female (F(100%CVAOD) = 0.341, P = 0.560; F(25%CVAOD) = 0.434, P = 0.510; F(10%CVAOD) = 5.615, P = 0.018; F(5%CVAOD) = 9.492, P = 0.002; F(100%CVAOS) = 0.212, P = 0.645; F(25%CVAOS) = 0.132, P = 0.716; F(10%CVAOS) = 4.588, P = 0.033; F(5%CVAOS) = 4.812, P = 0.029; F(100%CVAOU) = 0.775, P = 0.379; F(25%CVAOU) = 1.043, P = 0.308; F(10%CVAOU) = 8.555, P = 0.004; F(5%CVAOU) = 5.630, P = 0.018). A significantly correlation could be seen between the visual acuity of ETDRS and 100% CVA (r(OD) = 0.632, r(OS) = 0.536, r(OU) = 0.456, all P < 0.01). The 100% CVA was higher than the visual acuity of ETDRS (t(OD) = 20.70, t(OS) = 17.25, t(OU) = 23.47, all P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Age and the different contrast levels between optotypes and background significantly affect CVA. In the low contrast between optotypes and background, CVA in the female is better than in male.

[Prevention of blindness is still an arduous task and embarks on a long road in China].

The outcomes from China Nine-Province Survey shows that the prevention of blindness in China have got some achievements, however, the status of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment is still serious. The prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment in some remote areas is higher than the national average level. The major cause of blindness and visual impairment is cataract,however, retinal diseases are found to be the second major cause, which reflects both characteristics of blindness in the developed and developing countries. The prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment are 1.93% and 5.31% respectively, however, the cataract surgery coverage rate is only 35.7%. These figures shows that prevention of blindness is still an arduous task and embark on a long road in China. The priority for prevention of blindness should be cataract-related blindness and visual impairment at present. Meanwhile, we should begin to conduct the prevention of the retinal diseases.

[Prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment among adults aged 50 years or above in the Shunyi District of Beijing: the China Nine-Province Survey].

UNLABELLED: OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment among adults aged 50 years or above in the Shunyi district of Beijing,China. METHODS: It was a population-based cross-section study. Geographically defined cluster sampling was used in 5840 randomly selected individuals aged > or = 50 years in 28 clusters in the Shunyi district from April to August 2006. The survey was preceded by a pilot study where operational methods were refined and quality assurance evaluation was carried out. All participants were enumerated through village registers followed door-to-door visits. Eligible individuals were invited to receive visual acuity measurement and eye examination. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata/SE Statistical Software, release 9. 0. Chi-square test was used to investigate the association of age, gender and education with presenting and best corrected visual acuity. RESULTS: Five thousands eight hundreds and forty individuals were recruited and 5118 persons were examined,the response rate was 87.64%. Based on the criteria of World Health Organization visual impairment classification in 1973,57 persons were diagnosed as blindness, 160 persons were diagnosed as moderate and severe visual impairment defined as best corrected visual acuity, the prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment were 1.11% and 3.12% respectively. Sixty-five persons were diagnosed as blindness, 428 persons were diagnosed as moderate and severe visual impairment defined as presenting visual acuity, the prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment were 1.27% and 8. 36% respectively. The prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment was higher in aged (trend Chi2 = 784.23, P = 0.000), female (Chi2 = 28.35, P = 0.000), and illiterate persons (trend Chi2 = 397.13, P = 0.000). Cataract was still the first leading cause of blindness and visual impairment, the retinal diseases was the second. Un-corrected refractive error also was the main cause of visual impairment. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment has been decreasing among older adults aged 50 years or above in the Shunyi district since 1996. The first leading cause of blindness and visual impairment is still cataract.

[Prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment among adults aged 50 years or above in Qidong City of Jiangsu Province: the China Nine-Province Survey].

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of blindness and low vision among older adults aged > or = 50 years in Qidong City of Jiangsu Province, China, in 2006. METHODS: Cluster sampling was used in randomly selecting 5662 individuals aged > or = 50 years from September to December 2006 in 16 clusters in Qidong City. The survey was preceded by a pilot study where operational methods were refined and quality assurance evaluation was carried out. All participants were enumerated through village registers followed door-to-door visits. Eligible individuals were invited to receive visual acuity measurement and eye examination. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata/SE Statistical Software, release 9.0. Chi-square test was used to investigate the association of age, gender and education with presenting and best corrected visual acuity. RESULTS: Five thousands six hundreds and sixty-two individuals were recruited, the response rate was 90.80%. Based on the criteria of World Health Organization visual impairment classification in 1973,91 persons were diagnosed as blindness, 175 persons were diagnosed as moderate and severe visual impairment defined as best corrected visual acuity, the prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment were 1.77% and 3.40% respectively. One hundred and thirteen persons were diagnosed as blindness, 354 persons were diagnosed as moderate and severe visual impairment defined as presenting visual acuity, the prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment were 2.20% and 6.89% respectively. The prevalence of blindness and moderate and sever visual impairment was higher in aged (trend Chi2 = 825.16, P = 0.000), female (Chi2 = 19.85, P = 0.001), and illiterate persons (trend Chi2 = 329. 85, P = 0.000). The leading cause of blindness was cataract. CONCLUSIONS: Blindness and low vision are associated with older age and illiterates in Qidong City. According to presenting visual acuity, the causes leading to blindness and low vision are, in descending order, cataract, ocular fundus disease, refractive error and cornea disease.

[Prevalence and surgery status of cataract among adults aged 50 years or above in the Shunyi district of Beijing: the China Nine-Province Survey].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of cataract, the outcomes of cataract surgery, the rate of cataract surgical coverage, and the rate of cataract blindness social burden. METHODS: Cluster sampling was used in 5118 randomly selected individuals aged > or = 50 years in the Shunyi district of Beijing from April to August 2006. All individuals were received visual acuity and eye examination, including the evaluation of lens status and cataract surgical status by slit lamp biomicroscopy. Data bank was established by Epi-info Software. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata/SE Statistical Software, release 9.0 (Stata Corp, College Station,TX). Multiple logistic regression analysis was employed to analyzed the prevalence of cataract,cataract surgical coverage rate,cataract blindness social burden rate and outcomes of surgery among different ages, sex and educational background. RESULTS: In 5118 individuals, 797 cases of cataract were found, the prevalence of cataract was 15.57% among adults aged 50 or above. The prevalence of cataract was higher in the aged, female, illiterate persons (P < 0.01). In 189 eyes with cataract surgery, 65.08% and 23.28% of eyes were performed by the modern extra-capsular surgery and Phacoemulsification respectively. The rate of intraocular lens implantation was 89.42%. Post-operative presenting and best corrected visual acuity more than 0.7 was 30.16% and 61.38% of operated eyes respectively. The main causes of the post-operated eyes with worse visual acuity were post-capsular opacity and refractive error. The cataract surgical coverage rate was 62.22%, and the cataract blindness social burden rate was 2.64%. The cataract surgical rate was lower and cataract blindness social burden rate was higher in the aged persons (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Cataract is the most common eye disease that may lead into blindness and severe visual impairment among older adults aged equal or more than 50 years. The cataract surgical coverage rate is high in the Shunyi district, but still is lower in the aged persons. The visual outcomes of the surgery should be further improved in the future.

[Prevalence and surgery status of cataract among adults aged 50 years or above in Qidong City of Jiangsu Province: the China Nine-Province Survey].

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of cataract, the rate of cataract surgical coverage rate,and the rate of cataract-blindness social burden among older adults aged 50 years or above in Qidong City of Jiangsu Province, China, in 2006. METHODS: Cluster sampling was used in randomly selected 5662 individuals aged 50 years or above in 16 clusters in Qidong City. 5141 individuals received visual acuity and eye examination from September to December 2006. Lens and cataract operation status were evaluated by slit lamp. Multiple logistic regression analysis was employed to analyzed the prevalence of cataract, cataract surgical coverage rate, cataract blindness social burden rate and outcomes of surgery among different ages, sex and educational background. RESULTS: In 5141 individuals, 1098 cases of cataract were found, the prevalence of cataract was 21.35% among adults aged 50 or above. The prevalence of cataract was higher in the aged, female, illiterate persons (P < 0.01). In 89 eyes with cataract surgery, 25.84% and 42.70% of eyes were performed by the modern extra-capsular surgery and Phacoemulsification respectively. The rate of intraocular lens implantation was 69. 66%. Post-operative presenting and best corrected visual acuity more than 0.7 was 24.70% and 48.31% of operated eyes respectively. The main causes of the post-operated eyes with worse visual acuity were retinal disorders post-capsular opacity and glaucoma. The cataract surgical coverage rate was 37.96%, and the cataract blindness social burden rate was 2.10%. The cataract blindness social burden rate was higher in the aged persons (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Cataract is the most common and important eye disease that may lead into blindness and severe visual impairment among older adults aged 50 years or above. The cataract surgical coverage rate is not so high in Qidong City, and even lower in the aged persons. The first important task in blindness prevention still is the elimination of cataract blindness. The visual outcomes of the cataract surgery should be further improved in the future.

[To promote "Vision 2020" Initiative under the new situation in China].

At present, the prevention of blindness in China is in the favorable period and got some important progress. Recent five years, Chinese government conducted a series of the program for prevention of blindness, cataract surgical rate is increasing. The reform of the medical system conducted by the government is favorable to the prevention of blindness. There have been better situation and enough technique and personnel to conduct cataract surgery. However, prevention of blindness is still a big challenge to Chinese ophthalmological society. Blindness and visual impairment is still a major public health problem in China. The cataract surgical rate is still quite low. Thus, Chinese ophthalmologists should further promote "Vision 2020" Initiative and prevention of blindness in China. They should further recognize the significance for prevention of blindness, strength the construction of the system for prevention of blindness and eye care, actively prevent and control the eye diseases and conduct the research work in the prevention of blindness.