Trends and disparities of vision impairment in Mexico from 1990 to 2023: a comparative analysis with Latin America and the Caribbean based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023.

Abstract

The growing global burden of blindness and vision loss underscores the importance of understanding regional and national epidemiological patterns and trends. This observational study examined the burden of vision impairment in Mexico in 2023 and evaluated trends from 1990 to 2023, comparing with regional estimates for Latin America & Caribbean (LAC). Using data from the Global Burden of Disease study 2023 (GBD 2023), aggregated estimates for the total population (all ages and sexes) of LAC (comprising 33 countries and territories) and Mexico (comprising 32 states) were analyzed from 1990 to 2023. Counts and age-standardized rates (per 100,000) of prevalent cases and years lived with disability (YLDs) for total vision impairment including four levels of severity were examined for LAC and Mexico (nationally and subnationally), analyzing percentage change from 1990 to 2023. In 2023, blindness and vision loss caused an estimated 61.58 million and 14.15 million prevalent cases in LAC and Mexico, respectively, increasing 162% and 172% from 1990, constituting the third leading cause of impairment at both levels, surpassed by hearing loss and anemia. Uncorrected presbyopia and moderate vision loss accounted for 89% of prevalent cases, while severe vision loss and blindness contributed 50% of the YLDs. From 1990 to 2023, the age-standardized rate of all severity levels decreased; regionally, total vision impairment caused 9410 cases (per 100,000) in 2023, a decline of -5.92% from 1990, whereas blindness alone decreased by -35.65%, with 523 cases per 100,000 in 2023. Across Mexico's 32 states, the burden exhibited a consistent downward trajectory with disparate percentages of change, demonstrating subnational heterogeneity. We documented an increased burden of vision impairment in LAC and Mexico, highlighting the need for targeted interventions, expanded access to vision care, and strengthened preventive measures. Addressing disparities through equitable healthcare distribution and awareness campaigns could reduce the burden of vision loss. This study received no funding.