Estimating the costs and quality of life impact of vision loss in the population aged 50-80 years in Malta: evidence from The Malta Eye Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Visual impairment and related ocular conditions impose substantial direct, indirect, and intangible costs, encompassing healthcare expenses, productivity losses, and reduced quality of life. Despite the global relevance of visual impairment, no comprehensive cost analysis has yet been conducted in an older adult Maltese population aged 50-80 years.

Methods

Prevalence estimates from the population-based Malta Eye Study were used to calculate indirect costs via the gross national income per capita method with disability weight assumptions. Direct medical costs for key ocular conditions, including refractive error, cataract, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma, were estimated using prevalence, hospital, and private data performance in

SUBMITTER: Agius D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12714930 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature