A Nationwide Population-Based Survey on Visual Acuity, Near Vision, and Self-Reported Visual Function in the Adult Population in Finland

Purpose To estimate the prevalence rates of habitual visual acuity (VA) levels and visual impairment in Finland and to assess their correlation with self-reported visual function. Design Cross-sectional population-based study. Participants Subjects were selected randomly from the Finnish population aged 30 years or older. Of 7979 eligible people, 7393 (93%) were interviewed, 6771 (85%) were examined, and 6663 (84%) had distance VA assessed. Methods Participants underwent a home interview and a comprehensive examination including measuring binocular VA for distance and for near with the participants' current spectacles, if any. Main Outcome Measures The level of VA for distance and for near with current spectacle correction. The self-reported capability to read newsprint and television text and the ability to move about without being restricted by reduced vision. Results The prevalence of good to moderate VA for distance (VA≥0.5 [≥20/40]) measured with current spectacles was 95.9%, and 87.4% had a VA level of 0.8 (20/25) or better. The prevalence of habitual visual impairment (VA≤0.25 [≤20/80]) was 1.6%, and 0.5% were blind (VA P P r = 0.27–0.40; P Conclusions Functional visual impairment increased with age especially in the age group of 65 to 74 years and upward and was as prevalent in women as in men. The prevalence of people with reading difficulties has decreased considerably since 1980.