{
  "abstract": "Background: This research investigates blindness prevalence trends in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries from 1990 to 2021 and provides projections up to 2030. The study aimed to inform public health planning, policy formulation, and healthcare delivery in the region. Methods: Using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, we conducted a time-series analysis applying AutoRegressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models to evaluate age-standardized prevalence rates and Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) for blindness. Country-specific and gender-specific were analyzed. Forecasts for 2022–2030 were generated and validated against observed data. Results: Between 1990 and 2021, most GCC countries exhibited declining trends in blindness prevalence. Bahrain’s rate decreased from 13,498.2 to 12,884.7 per 100,000, Kuwait from 12,873.8 to 12,881.4, Saudi Arabia from 14,207.2 to 14,166.8, and the UAE from 11,905.9 to 11,869.6. Oman and Qatar showed relative stability with minor fluctuations. Gender disparities were consistent, with higher prevalence among females in all countries except the UAE. DALYs also declined across the region, with Saudi Arabia reporting the highest burden. Forecasts for 2022–2030 indicate continued reductions in most countries, though Oman may experience a moderate increase. Conclusions: The findings underscore the need for targeted public health strategies, improved healthcare infrastructure, and gender-sensitive interventions to address visual impairment in the GCC. Continuous monitoring and international collaboration are essential to sustain progress and mitigate future burdens.",
  "abstract_shown": true,
  "affiliations": [
    "Asir Central Hospital, Abha, Saudi Arabia",
    "Ophthalmology Department, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia",
    "Faculty of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia",
    "Department of Ophthalmology, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia",
    "Saudi German Hospital, Abha, Saudi Arabia",
    "Pediatric Ophthalmology Department, KKESH, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia",
    "Muhayil Health Sector, Muhayil General Hospital, Aseer Health Cluster, Abha, Saudi Arabia",
    "Ophthalmology Department, Aseer Central Hospital, Abha, Saudi Arabia",
    "Riyadh First Health Cluster, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia"
  ],
  "article_type": "Research Article",
  "arxiv": null,
  "author_total": 12,
  "authors": [
    {
      "affs": [
        0
      ],
      "name": "Ahmed Saad AL Zomia"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        1
      ],
      "name": "Saeed T. Alshahrani"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        2
      ],
      "name": "Ibrahim Ali AL Zehefa"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        3
      ],
      "name": "Abdullah Jallwi Korkoman"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        4
      ],
      "name": "Ahmed Abdullah Alamoud"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        5
      ],
      "name": "Mazen Abdullah Alqahtani"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        6
      ],
      "name": "Mahmoud Tarek Mirdad"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        7
      ],
      "name": "Mohammed Tarek Mirdad"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        8
      ],
      "name": "Raad Ahmed A. Alnami"
    },
    {
      "name": "Faisal Nasser M. Alahmari"
    },
    {
      "name": "Saad Ali Alshahrani"
    },
    {
      "name": "Sultan Abdulrahman Alyali"
    }
  ],
  "bibtex": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/a3kx6pehr92qv.bib",
  "cited_by": 0,
  "doi": "10.1371/journal.pone.0357032",
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  "issns": [
    "1932-6203"
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  "licence": "CC-BY-4.0",
  "licence_label": "CC BY 4.0",
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  "licence_url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/",
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  "native_subjects": [
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      "openalex",
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    ],
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      "/Biology and life sciences/Neuroscience/Cognitive science/Cognitive psychology/Perception/Sensory perception/Vision"
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  "pmcid": null,
  "pmid": null,
  "published": "2026-09-08",
  "publisher": "Public Library of Science",
  "ris": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/a3kx6pehr92qv.ris",
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  "title": "Understanding visual impairment trends in the Gulf Council Countries: An analysis from 1990 to 2021 and time-series predictions for 2030",
  "title_text": "Understanding visual impairment trends in the Gulf Council Countries: An analysis from 1990 to 2021 and time-series predictions for 2030",
  "type": "peer-reviewed",
  "updated_at": "2026-10-30T12:17:56Z",
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