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Background <p>Visual impairment (VI) and blindness represent major public health challenges with significant social and economic consequences. In Saudi Arabia, multiple studies have investigated prevalence and causes, but findings vary due to differences in study design, populations, and definitions. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence, causes, and determinants of VI and blindness among adults in Saudi Arabia.</p> Methods <p>A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and regional databases was conducted up to July 2025. Studies were eligible if they included adults (≥ 18 years) residing in Saudi Arabia and reported the prevalence, causes, or risk factors of visual impairment (VI) and/or blindness. Study quality was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Pooled prevalence estimates and all statistical analyses were conducted in R (version 4.4.3) using random-effects models. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were performed to assess heterogeneity by region, study period, and study setting.</p> Results <p>Nine studies comprising 29,707 participants were included. The pooled prevalence of VI among adults was 16.8% (95% CI: 11.4–23.9), while the prevalence of blindness was 1.7% (95% CI: 1.0–2.8). When stratified by study setting, the prevalence of VI was higher in clinic-based studies (22.1%) compared with population-based surveys (10.8%). Uncorrected refractive error was the leading cause of VI, while cataract was the primary cause of blindness. Subgroup analyses revealed significantly higher VI prevalence in females (20.7% vs. 12.5% in males). Meta-regression confirmed that study setting and publication year were significant sources of heterogeneity, with prevalence estimates increasing over time.</p> Conclusion <p>Visual impairment and blindness represent a significant public health burden in Saudi Arabia. The high prevalence is driven primarily by preventable or treatable causes, mainly uncorrected refractive error and cataract. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted public health strategies, including enhanced screening and improved access to care.</p>

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Prevalence, burden, and determinants of visual impairment and blindness among adults in Saudi Arabia: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年10月27日

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  • Abdulmajeed Al Khathami,
  • Mohamed Baklola,
  • Naji Al-bawah,
  • Dalal Alghamdi,
  • Nada Mana Shar,
  • Hanin Alghamdi,
  • Saja Alghamdi,
  • Nawal Alanazi,
  • Meshari Alalyani,
  • Mayas Hafez,
  • Raydaa Alshomrani,
  • Khaled Ghaith

摘要

Background

Visual impairment (VI) and blindness represent major public health challenges with significant social and economic consequences. In Saudi Arabia, multiple studies have investigated prevalence and causes, but findings vary due to differences in study design, populations, and definitions. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence, causes, and determinants of VI and blindness among adults in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and regional databases was conducted up to July 2025. Studies were eligible if they included adults (≥ 18 years) residing in Saudi Arabia and reported the prevalence, causes, or risk factors of visual impairment (VI) and/or blindness. Study quality was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Pooled prevalence estimates and all statistical analyses were conducted in R (version 4.4.3) using random-effects models. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were performed to assess heterogeneity by region, study period, and study setting.

Results

Nine studies comprising 29,707 participants were included. The pooled prevalence of VI among adults was 16.8% (95% CI: 11.4–23.9), while the prevalence of blindness was 1.7% (95% CI: 1.0–2.8). When stratified by study setting, the prevalence of VI was higher in clinic-based studies (22.1%) compared with population-based surveys (10.8%). Uncorrected refractive error was the leading cause of VI, while cataract was the primary cause of blindness. Subgroup analyses revealed significantly higher VI prevalence in females (20.7% vs. 12.5% in males). Meta-regression confirmed that study setting and publication year were significant sources of heterogeneity, with prevalence estimates increasing over time.

Conclusion

Visual impairment and blindness represent a significant public health burden in Saudi Arabia. The high prevalence is driven primarily by preventable or treatable causes, mainly uncorrected refractive error and cataract. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted public health strategies, including enhanced screening and improved access to care.