PhD defence V.K. (Vinay) Nangia

Below is a brief summary of the dissertation: 

Title:  Prevalence and Causes of Visual Impairment in Central India. 
The Central India Eye and Medical Study (CIEMS):

Key Findings from the Thesis. 
The CIEMS was a significant eye health study in rural Central India, examining over 4,700 people aged 30 and above. It was the first such study in this region, filling an important gap in our understanding of eye health in Central India. Key findings include:

1. Visual Impairment: Nearly 1 in 4 people had visual impairment or blindness. Remarkably, about two-thirds of these cases could be improved simply by wearing glasses.

2. Refractive Errors: On average, the population had slight nearsightedness. Undercorrection of refractive errors was seen in 1/3 of subjects, representing an easily addressable cause of visual impairment.

3. Glaucoma: 2.67% of the population had glaucoma, with prevalence rising sharply with age - from 3.45% in those over 40 to 14.3% in those over 80.

4. Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Early AMD was found in 6-8% of people over 40, but severe cases were rare.

5. Diabetic Retinopathy: 5.5% of subjects had diabetes, with 9.6% of diabetic subjects showing retinopathy - lower than in more developed regions.

This research highlights the need for better access to basic eye care in rural India. Many cases of visual impairment could be easily corrected with glasses or simple treatments. These findings can guide public health efforts to improve eye care in similar regions worldwide.