Visual impairment in Tunisia

The purpose is to study visual impairment in Tunisia, its epidemiology, its etiologies and to present the major prevention measures. This study was conducted between 1992 and 1998. 1105 patients were examined in specialized outpatient clinic. Our group is composed from 712 men and et 393 women, aged 1 to 93 years. 435 patients were partially sighted and 670 were blind. Adults pathologies were dominated by acquired cataracts and adult glaucomas; diabetic retinopathy and age related macular degeneration are less frequent. Infectious ocular diseases are in constant decrease in Tunisia since 30 years. Prevention is fundamental and must be done each time it is possible. Visual reeducation should improve autonomy and familial and socio-economic reintegration of these visually impaired.