Persistence of severe global sex-based inequalities in the burden of visual impairment.
Women have higher disability burden from blindness and vision loss than men globally
Persistence of severe global sex-based inequalities in the burden of visual impairment.
Sex-based disparities in vision impairment are a major global health concern.
This study quantifies these disparities across major blinding diseases and assesses their association with national-level gender inequality.
In this repeated ecological analysis of Global Burden of Disease (Global Burden of Disease) 2023 data, we analysed sex-disaggregated age-standardised years lived with disability (years lived with disability) rates and prevalence for major blinding diseases.
women lose more healthy years to poor vision than men
From 1990 to 2023, sex disparities persisted, with a higher AAPC in females than males (0.08% vs -0.06%).
The largest female excess for BVI was in South Asia (difference 69.9 per 100 000).
Higher Gender Inequality Index and lower Gender Development Index were significantly associated with larger sex disparities (β=34.3 per unit Gender Inequality Index increase; β=-197.0 per unit Gender Development Index increase, all p<0.001).
Without targeted intervention, disparities are projected to persist or widen by 2040.
Global sex disparities in vision impairment remained substantial from 1990 to 2023 and are projected to continue.
The strong association with Gender Development Index and Gender Inequality Index indicates these disparities are modifiable and linked to structural factors. Gender-sensitive policies are needed to achieve equity in eye health.