The essentials of data sources in eye epidemiology.

The extensive literature on eye epidemiology was selectively reviewed to provide a concise and comprehensive summary on the current status of available data sources. The topics being covered were epidemiologic data evaluation, data handling, card registration, computer analysis, geographic factors, socio-economic conditions, personal attributes, genetic backgrounds, twin analysis and laboratory procedures for host defense factors including humoral and cellular immunity. Also, the scope of this article encompassed such major practical issues as glaucoma, cataract and other blinding diseases as well as traffic and occupational hazards. Epidemiologic information thus obtainable through data searching may prove tobe instrumental in the identification of any potential preventive measures in ophthalmology and public health.