Changes in the Prevalence of Visual Impairment Due to Blinding Trachoma in Sichuan Province, China: A Comparative Study Between 1987 and 2006

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the changes in the prevalence of visual impairment due to blinding trachoma in Sichuan, China between 1987 and 2006. Methods: Over 125,000 residents of Sichuan province participated in the National Sample Survey on Disabilities, conducted in both 1987 and 2006. Changes in the prevalence of visual impairment due to blinding trachoma were analyzed while accounting for other factors including gender, age and residence (urban vs. rural). Results: In 1987, blinding trachoma ranked second among the eight major visual impairment causes assessed with a prevalence of 172.9 (95% CI: 152.2-196.6) per 100,000, while in 2006 it ranked eighth with a prevalence of 58.1 (95% CI: 45.5-73.0) per 100,000. The prevalence in 2006 decreased significantly compared to 1987 in both rural and urban areas, as well as in both genders. Furthermore, in both 1987 and 2006, visual impairment due to blinding trachoma tended to be concentrated among individuals over 40, although it was also seen in young people. Conclusion: In the past 20 years, the prevalence and percentage of visual impairment due to blinding trachoma was significantly reduced in Sichuan province, and we anticipate a further decrease in the future.