gms | German Medical Science

104th DOG Annual Meeting

21. - 24.09.2006, Berlin

Aging population in Paraguay and Latin America. Challenges in eye care

Meeting Abstract

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  • M. Cano - Asuncion, Paraguay

Deutsche Ophthalmologische Gesellschaft e.V.. 104. Jahrestagung der Deutschen Ophthalmologischen Gesellschaft (DOG). Berlin, 21.-24.09.2006. Düsseldorf, Köln: German Medical Science; 2006. Doc06dogSA.10.10

The electronic version of this article is the complete one and can be found online at: http://www.egms.de/en/meetings/dog2006/06dog355.shtml

Published: September 18, 2006

© 2006 Cano.
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Outline

Text

Paraguay, a Latin American, country has a population of approximately 6 million people, 13.7% of which is over 50 years of age. It is expected to increase close to 9 million people by the year 2020, with the group over 50 years accounting for 17 % of it.

The estimated range of prevalence of blindness (WHO grading scale), in the population 50 years + is between 0.3-0.6 for the region.

Cataract remains as the main cause, accounting for approximately 50% of blindness as was reported in several population based surveys carried out in the region. CSR is increasing in different countries but still needs improvement. Accessibility to eye care services to the rural population is still a challenge.