Zaćma
Epidemiologia

Zaćma (katarakta) stanowi główną przyczynę ślepoty globalnie, odpowiadając za 47,9% przypadków ślepoty i znacznego upośledzenia widzenia. W 2010 roku liczba osób niewidomych z powodu zaćmy wzrosła do około 20 milionów, a obecnie choroba dotyka około 65,2 miliona ludzi, powodując umiarkowaną do ciężkiej utratę wzroku w ponad 80% przypadków. Standaryzowana częstość występowania zaćmy (ASPPE) wynosi 17,20%, z najwyższym wskaźnikiem w regionie Azji Południowo-Wschodniej (36,55%) i najniższym w Ameryce (9,08%). W krajach rozwijających się zaćma odpowiada za około 50% przypadków ślepoty, podczas gdy w krajach rozwiniętych około 5%. Wiek jest kluczowym czynnikiem ryzyka, z częstością występowania sięgającą 91% u osób w wieku 75-85 lat w USA. Kobiety są bardziej narażone na rozwój zaćmy (stosunek mężczyzn do kobiet 1:1,3). Główne czynniki ryzyka to wiek, płeć żeńska, cukrzyca, ekspozycja na UV, palenie tytoniu, otyłość, zanieczyszczenie powietrza, stosowanie kortykosteroidów, urazy i choroby oczu. Zaćma związana z wiekiem dzieli się na typy: jądrową (67,8%), korową (27,1%) i podtorebkową tylną (1,6%).

Epidemiologia zaćmy u dorosłych

Zaćma (katarakta) stanowi główną przyczynę ślepoty na świecie i jest jednym z najczęstszych problemów okulistycznych u osób dorosłych. Według danych Światowej Organizacji Zdrowia (WHO), zaćma odpowiada za 47,9% przypadków ślepoty i znacznego upośledzenia widzenia na całym świecie.1 W 2010 roku liczba osób niewidomych z powodu zaćmy wzrosła do około 20 milionów z 12,3 miliona w 1990 roku, a odsetek ślepoty spowodowanej zaćmą waha się od 12,7% w Ameryce Północnej do 42% w Azji Południowo-Wschodniej.2 WHO szacuje, że zaćma obecnie dotyka około 65,2 miliona ludzi i powoduje umiarkowaną do ciężkiej utratę wzroku w ponad 80% przypadków.3

Rozpowszechnienie zaćmy na świecie

Globalne rozpowszechnienie zaćmy wykazuje znaczne zróżnicowanie geograficzne. Standaryzowana ze względu na wiek częstość występowania (ASPPE) zaćmy każdego typu wynosi 17,20%, przy czym wskaźniki wahają się od 3% w grupie wiekowej 20-39 lat do 54% w grupie powyżej 60 roku życia.4 Najwyższy wskaźnik ASPPE zaobserwowano w regionie SEARO (Azja Południowo-Wschodnia) – 36,55%, a najniższy w regionie AMRO (Ameryka) – 9,08%.5 W krajach rozwijających się zaćma stanowi główną przyczynę utraty wzroku, odpowiadając za około 50% przypadków ślepoty, podczas gdy w krajach rozwiniętych odsetek ten wynosi około 5%.67

W Stanach Zjednoczonych zmiany soczewkowe związane z wiekiem zgłaszano u 42% osób w wieku 52-64 lat, 60% w wieku 65-74 lat i 91% w wieku 75-85 lat.8 Szacuje się, że zaćma dotyka około 22 miliony Amerykanów w wieku 40 lat i starszych, czyli około 17,2% populacji.9 W Wielkiej Brytanii zaćma związana z wiekiem dotyka około połowy osób w wieku powyżej 65 lat, a odsetek ten wzrasta do 70% u osób w wieku powyżej 85 lat.10

W Afryce Subsaharyjskiej częstość występowania zaćmy wśród osób starszych waha się od 13,5% do 62,5% w różnych krajach, przy czym współczynnik zabiegów chirurgicznych znacznie się różni (od 12,1% do 96%).11 Badania australijskie wykazały, że częstość występowania zaćmy podwaja się z każdą dekadą życia po 40 roku życia i niemal każda osoba w wieku 90 lat lub starsza jest dotknięta zaćmą.12

Zaćma w różnych grupach demograficznych

Badania z 2010 roku ujawniły, że zaćma jest najczęstsza w populacji białych Amerykanów, gdzie jej występowanie waha się od 17 do 18% na 100 osób. Czarnoskórzy Amerykanie byli drugą najbardziej dotkniętą grupą, z częstością występowania wynoszącą 13%, a następnie Latynosi z częstością wynoszącą prawie 12%.13

Wiek jest kluczowym czynnikiem ryzyka rozwoju zaćmy. Początek choroby jest stopniowy i postępujący, zwykle w starszych grupach wiekowych, zazwyczaj w piątej i szóstej dekadzie życia, choć przypadki zgłaszano również u dzieci i osób bardzo starszych.14 W Korei częstość występowania zaćmy w grupie wiekowej powyżej 65 lat wynosiła 38,8% (31,0% u mężczyzn i 44,3% u kobiet), co wskazuje na 13% wyższy wskaźnik u kobiet.15 W badaniu z Indii zaobserwowano istotny wzrost częstości występowania zaćmy w grupie wiekowej przedsenioralnej (poniżej 60 lat) do poziomu 35,7%.16

Najnowsze badania pokazują, że choroba jest częstsza u kobiet niż u mężczyzn, ze stosunkiem mężczyzn do kobiet wynoszącym około 1:1,3.17 Ta nierówność płciowa w globalnym obciążeniu zaćmą utrzymuje się od 1990 roku i stopniowo zwiększała się przez dekady, przy czym największą nierówność zaobserwowano w regionie Azji Południowo-Wschodniej.18

Czynniki ryzyka i typy zaćmy

Główne czynniki ryzyka rozwoju zaćmy obejmują:

Zaćma związana z wiekiem jest zdecydowanie najczęstszym typem i dzieli się na trzy rodzaje w oparciu o anatomię ludzkiej soczewki: zaćmę jądrową, korową i podtorebkową tylną.30 W badaniu przeprowadzonym w Korei większość dorosłych miała zaćmę jądrową (67,8%), następnie zaćmę korową (27,1%), zaćmę podtorebkową tylną (1,6%) i zaćmę podtorebkową przednią (3,5%).31 W badaniu z Indii zaobserwowano wyższą częstość występowania zaćmy podtorebkowej tylnej (43,4%) w porównaniu z wcześniejszymi badaniami.32

Systemy nadzoru i metody identyfikacji zaćmy

System nadzoru nad zdrowiem wzroku i oczu (VEHSS) raportuje częstość występowania zaćmy w następujących kategoriach:

  • Zaćma oparta na badaniu
  • Zaćma zgłaszana samodzielnie
  • Zaćma zdiagnozowana33

Narodowe badanie wywiadu zdrowotnego (NHIS) obejmuje pytanie o to, czy lekarz kiedykolwiek poinformował respondenta o zaćmie. VEHSS raportuje roczne rozpowszechnienie zdiagnozowanej zaćmy na podstawie obecności kodów Międzynarodowej Klasyfikacji Chorób ICD-9 i ICD-10 w dokumentacji pacjentów lub systemach elektronicznej dokumentacji medycznej.34

VEHSS definiuje następujące podgrupy wskazujące, czy istnieją dowody na to, że pacjent ze zdiagnozowaną zaćmą miał również rozpoznane wcześniejsze leczenie zaćmy:

  • Leczona zaćma obejmuje zdiagnozowaną zaćmę na dowolnym etapie ORAZ zdiagnozowaną pseudofakię
  • Nieleczona zaćma obejmuje zdiagnozowaną zaćmę na dowolnym etapie I NIE zdiagnozowaną pseudofakię35

Trendy i prognozy zaćmy

Globalne obciążenie zaćmą wzrosło znacząco w ostatnich dekadach. W latach 1990-2019 liczba DALY (lat życia skorygowanych o niepełnosprawność) spowodowanych zaćmą wzrosła o 91,2%, surowe wskaźniki zwiększyły się o 32,2%, podczas gdy wskaźniki standaryzowane wiekowo spadły o 11,0%.36 Przewiduje się, że liczba DALY z powodu zaćmy będzie nadal rosnąć na całym świecie, podczas gdy wskaźnik DALY związany z zaćmą będzie się zmniejszać.37

Szacunki przewidują, że przypadki zaćmy będą nadal rosnąć, głównie w krajach rozwijających się, gdzie wzrost populacji będzie największy. Ponieważ liczba osób w wieku powyżej 65 lat stale rośnie, wzrośnie również częstość występowania zaćmy i zapotrzebowanie na operacje zaćmy.38 Oczekuje się, że z powodu starzenia się populacji i dłuższego życia, liczba ludzi niewidomych z powodu zaćmy osiągnie 40 milionów do 2025 roku.39

Niezdiagnozowana zaćma i jej wpływ

Pomimo powszechnego występowania zaćmy, znaczna część przypadków pozostaje niezdiagnozowana. W badaniu przeprowadzonym w Singapurze stwierdzono, że dwie trzecie dorosłych z istotną wzrokowo zaćmą nie było wcześniej zdiagnozowanych. Połowa z tych przypadków miała obustronne upośledzenie wzroku i znacznie obniżoną jakość życia.40 Czynniki niezależnie związane z niezdiagnozowaną zaćmą to: pochodzenie malajskie, niższe wykształcenie, zatrudnienie i brak historii cukrzycy.41

Zaćma rozwija się powoli i bezboleśnie, więc wzrok i styl życia mogą być dotknięte bez świadomości osoby.42 Do wieku 75 lat większość ludzi ma zaćmę, która wpływa na ich widzenie.43 Wczesna diagnoza i odpowiednio zaplanowane leczenie są kluczowe dla zapobiegania trwałym problemom ze wzrokiem.44

Zaćma a choroby współistniejące

Interesującym aspektem epidemiologii zaćmy jest jej związek z miażdżycą tętnic szyjnych. Badanie przekrojowe HEIJO-KYO wykazało, że średnia i maksymalna grubość błony wewnętrznej i środkowej tętnicy szyjnej (IMT) była znacząco większa w grupie z zaćmą niż w grupie bez zaćmy, odpowiednio o 0,04 mm (95% CI, 0,01-0,06) i 0,07 mm (95% CI, 0,01-0,12).45 Analiza regresji logistycznej skorygowana o czynniki zakłócające wykazała znacząco wyższy iloraz szans dla miażdżycy tętnic szyjnych u osób z zaćmą (iloraz szans 1,78; 95% CI, 1,14-2,78).46

Badania pokazują również, że wpływ zaćmy na utratę wzroku, szczególnie u osób starszych, zwiększa ryzyko demencji, zwiększa prawdopodobieństwo upadków i wypadków drogowych, może znacząco wpływać na jakość życia jednostki i ostatecznie prowadzi do wyższej śmiertelności.47

Bariery w leczeniu i strategie profilaktyczne

Efektywne zarządzanie i leczenie zaćmy, szczególnie w krajach rozwijających się, napotyka na kilka istotnych barier:

  • Brak świadomości – wiele osób, zwłaszcza na obszarach wiejskich, nie jest poinformowanych o zaćmie lub dostępnych opcjach leczenia48
  • Ograniczony dostęp do opieki zdrowotnej – niewystarczająca liczba placówek i usług opieki zdrowotnej, szczególnie w krajach o niższym i średnim dochodzie49
  • Ograniczenia ekonomiczne – wysoki koszt operacji zaćmy uniemożliwia wielu osobom szukanie pomocy medycznej w odpowiednim czasie50
  • Nierówności płciowe – kobiety często mają gorszy dostęp do leczenia zaćmy niż mężczyźni51
  • Nieporozumienia kulturowe – błędne przekonania dotyczące operacji zaćmy52

Skuteczna profilaktyka zaćmy wymaga kontroli chorób zwiększających ryzyko jej rozwoju i unikania ekspozycji na czynniki sprzyjające jej powstawaniu.53 Chociaż całkowite zapobieganie zaćmie nie jest możliwe, istnieje kilka kroków, które można podjąć, aby zmniejszyć ryzyko jej rozwoju:54

  • Regularne badania oczu, szczególnie u osób powyżej 65 roku życia55
  • Ograniczenie ekspozycji na promieniowanie UV poprzez noszenie okularów przeciwsłonecznych56
  • Kontrola chorób przewlekłych, takich jak cukrzyca57
  • Zaprzestanie palenia58
  • Zdrowa dieta bogata w antyoksydanty59
Region Częstość występowania zaćmy Odsetek ślepoty spowodowany zaćmą Wskaźnik operacji zaćmy (CSR)*
Ameryka Północna 17-18% (biali Amerykanie) 12,7% >6000
Europa 50% (>65 lat), 70% (>85 lat) ~25% 4000-6000
Azja Południowo-Wschodnia 36,55% (ASPPE) 42% 1000-3000
Afryka Subsaharyjska 13,5-62,5% ~50% 200-1000
Australia/Oceania Podwaja się z każdą dekadą po 40 r.ż. ~20% ~4000
Bliski Wschód Brak danych >51% 1000-3000

60616263

* CSR – liczba operacji zaćmy wykonywanych na milion osób rocznie

Podsumowanie i implikacje dla zdrowia publicznego

Zaćma pozostaje globalnym wyzwaniem dla zdrowia publicznego, szczególnie w krajach regionu zachodniego Pacyfiku.64 Pomimo poprawy ogólnego stanu zdrowia w zakresie zaćmy, stały wzrost surowych wskaźników DALY sugeruje, że postęp zdrowotny nie oznacza mniejszego zapotrzebowania na leczenie zaćmy.65

Starzenie się populacji wyprzedza rozwój zawodowy w zakresie okulistyki, co sprawia, że zaćma nadal pozostaje problemem zdrowia publicznego. Usługi związane z zaćmą powinny być wzmocnione dla starszej populacji, kobiet i osób w regionach o niższym wskaźniku rozwoju społecznego (SDI).66

Efektywna alokacja zasobów i planowanie usług zdrowotnych będą niezbędne w zarządzaniu przewidywanym wzrostem globalnego obciążenia zaćmą w ciągu najbliższych 15 lat.67 Kompleksowe strategie uwzględniające świadomość, dostępność, przystępność cenową i czynniki kulturowe są potrzebne do poprawy zarządzania zaćmą i zmniejszenia upośledzenia wzroku, zwłaszcza w krajach rozwijających się.68

Znajomość rozpowszechnienia zaćmy może dostarczyć informacji o zakresie i obciążeniu chorobą, być wykorzystana do planowania i zapewnienia infrastruktury do kontroli choroby oraz rzucić światło na naturalną ewolucję choroby.69 Regularne badania przesiewowe i szybkie skierowanie do okulisty, gdy funkcja wzrokowa jest zaburzona, są kluczowe w zapobieganiu postępowi do obustronnego upośledzenia wzroku.70

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  1. 10.04.2026
  2. www.leksykon.com.pl

Materiały źródłowe

  • #1 EPIDEMIOLOGY
    https://www.aao.org/education/topic-detail/cataract–middle-eastnorth-africa
    According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cataract is the leading cause of blindness and visual impairment in the world (47.9%). […] The overall prevalence of visual loss as a result of cataract increases each year as the worlds population ages. […] In 2002, cataract caused reversible blindness in more than 17 million (47.8%) of the 37 million blind individuals worldwide; this figure is projected to reach 40 million by year 2020. […] Cataract accounts for 30%50% of blindness in most African and Asia countries. […] Cataracts occur earlier in life in developing countries and in rural areas, and the incidence is higher.
  • #2 Cataract in adults – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/cataract-in-adults
    Cataract is a significant cause of blindness worldwide. […] Cataracts occur frequently with increasing age and may be a normal part of aging. […] Cataracts continue to be an important cause of blindness. Worldwide, cases of blindness due to cataract have increased from 12.3 million in 1990 to 20 million in 2010, with the proportion of blindness due to cataract ranging from 12.7 percent in North America to 42 percent in Southeast Asia. […] The pattern and rate of blinding disorders differs between nations depending upon whether nutritional and infectious causes of blindness are eradicated and whether there are resources available for treatable disorders such as cataract.
  • #3 Cataracts – SEE InternationalSearchExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandToggle MenuExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandToggle Menu CloseSearch
    https://www.seeintl.org/cataracts/
    Cataracts cause a third of worldwide blindness. […] According to the World Health Organization, cataracts affect approximately 65.2 million people and cause moderate to severe vision loss in over 80% cases. As populations age and average life expectancy continues to increase worldwide, the number of people with cataracts will continue to grow. […] Although mainly the result of aging, cataracts can affect anyone. Most people do not show symptoms of cataracts until at least the age of 40, cataracts can affect young adults and children. Hereditary, disease, eye injury, and smoking could cause cataracts to develop at an earlier age. […] You may be at risk for cataracts if you have certain health problems, like diabetes, smoke, drink too much alcohol, have a family history of cataracts, have had an eye injury, eye surgery, or radiation treatment on your upper body, have spent a lot of time in the sun, or take steroids. […] There is no way to completely prevent cataracts, however, there are a few steps you can take to lower your risk of cataracts. […] Both techniques are highly effective and can reliably restore the sight to people blinded by cataracts in almost every case.
  • #4 Global and regional prevalence of age-related cataract: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7376226/
    The ASPPE of any cataract was 17.20%. […] The PPE of any cataract ranged between 3% in the 20- to 39-year age group and 54% in the over-60 age group. […] The ASPPE of any cataract was significantly different in the six geographical regions; the highest rate was 36.55% in the SEARO region, and the lowest prevalence was 9.08% in the AMRO region. […] The prevalence of cataract is higher in lesser-developed societies due to the low economic status, low literacy, high rate of outdoor activity, and less access to cataract surgery services. […] The results indicated that there was no publication bias for any cataract, nuclear cataract, or cortical cataract, and significant publication bias was only observed for PSC cataract. […] From the public health point of view, cataract is still a global challenge, especially in Western Pacific countries.
  • #5 Global and regional prevalence of age-related cataract: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7376226/
    The ASPPE of any cataract was 17.20%. […] The PPE of any cataract ranged between 3% in the 20- to 39-year age group and 54% in the over-60 age group. […] The ASPPE of any cataract was significantly different in the six geographical regions; the highest rate was 36.55% in the SEARO region, and the lowest prevalence was 9.08% in the AMRO region. […] The prevalence of cataract is higher in lesser-developed societies due to the low economic status, low literacy, high rate of outdoor activity, and less access to cataract surgery services. […] The results indicated that there was no publication bias for any cataract, nuclear cataract, or cortical cataract, and significant publication bias was only observed for PSC cataract. […] From the public health point of view, cataract is still a global challenge, especially in Western Pacific countries.
  • #6 Azthena logo with the word Azthena
    https://www.news-medical.net/health/Cataract-Epidemiology.aspx
    Cataracts are very common, but are more likely to develop in older individuals. In the UK alone, age-related cataracts are thought to affect around half of those aged over 65 years to some degree, with this figure rising to 70% in those aged over 85. […] Australian studies have shown that the prevalence of cataract doubles with each decade of age after 40 years and that nearly everyone aged 90 years or older is affected by cataracts. […] Estimates predict that, currently, cataracts affect around 22 million adults aged 40 or older and that by the year 2020, this number will have approximately doubled. […] It has been estimated that cases of cataracts will continue to rise predominantly in developing countries where population increases will be the greatest. As the number of individuals aged over 65 years continues to increase, so will the incidence of cataract and the need for cataract surgery.
  • #7 Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Causes, Morphology, and Visual Effects of Cataract | Ento Key
    https://entokey.com/epidemiology-pathophysiology-causes-morphology-and-visual-effects-of-cataract/
    Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in middle- and low-income countries, accounting for 50% of blindness but cause 5% of blindness in developed countries. […] The cataract prevalence is influenced by the Cataract Surgical Rate (CSR or number of cataract surgeries performed per million people per year), which varies from less than 200 to over 6000 in different regions. […] So a high cataract prevalence rate in some developing countries is not for want of a clinical solution but partially due to ineffective implementation. […] To reduce cataract prevalence, the resource base (infrastructure, equipment, ophthalmologists, and other ophthalmic workers) must improve, as must management of the resources to build the right processes for maximal cost-effective resource utilization. Future solutions will have to address these challenges.
  • #8 Cataract – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cataract
    Age-related cataracts are responsible for 51% of world blindness, about 20 million people. […] Globally, cataracts cause moderate to severe disability in 53.8 million (2004), 52.2 million of whom are in low and middle income countries. […] In many countries, surgical services are inadequate, and cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness. […] In the United States, age-related lens changes have been reported in 42% between the ages of 52 and 64, 60% between the ages 65 and 74, and 91% between the ages of 75 and 85. […] Cataracts affect nearly 22 million Americans age 40 and older. […] By age 80, more than half of all Americans have cataracts. […] In the eastern Mediterranean region, cataracts are responsible for over 51% of blindness. […] Childhood-related cataracts are responsible for 520% of world childhood blindness. […] Vision loss due to cataracts increases the risk of dementia in the elderly population, increases the likelihood of falls and road traffic accidents, and by detrimental effects on the quality of life increases mortality.
  • #9 Senile Cataract (Age-Related Cataract): Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1210914-overview
    Senile cataract is an age-related, vision-impairing disease characterized by gradual progressive clouding and thickening of the lens of the eye. It is the worlds leading cause of treatable blindness. […] Senile cataract continues to be the main cause of visual impairment and blindness in the world. […] In the Framingham Eye Study from 1973-1975, senile cataract was seen in 15.5% of the 2477 patients examined. […] An updated study by the Wilmer Eye Institute in 2004 noted that approximately 20.5 million (17.2%) Americans older than 40 years had a cataract in either eye and 6.1 million (5.1%) were pseudophakic/aphakic. […] Prevent Blindness America currently estimates that more than 22 million Americans aged 40 years and older have a cataract. […] Most morbidity associated with senile cataracts occurs postoperatively and is discussed in further detail later.
  • #10 Azthena logo with the word Azthena
    https://www.news-medical.net/health/Cataract-Epidemiology.aspx
    Cataracts are very common, but are more likely to develop in older individuals. In the UK alone, age-related cataracts are thought to affect around half of those aged over 65 years to some degree, with this figure rising to 70% in those aged over 85. […] Australian studies have shown that the prevalence of cataract doubles with each decade of age after 40 years and that nearly everyone aged 90 years or older is affected by cataracts. […] Estimates predict that, currently, cataracts affect around 22 million adults aged 40 or older and that by the year 2020, this number will have approximately doubled. […] It has been estimated that cases of cataracts will continue to rise predominantly in developing countries where population increases will be the greatest. As the number of individuals aged over 65 years continues to increase, so will the incidence of cataract and the need for cataract surgery.
  • #11 Prevalence and management of cataracts among older adults in Sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review | BMC Ophthalmology | Full Text
    https://bmcophthalmol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12886-024-03701-5
    Cataract is a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness, mainly affecting older adults in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This scoping review aims to map evidence on the prevalence, contextual factors, and management strategies for cataracts among older adults in SSA. […] Cataract prevalence among older adults in SSA ranged from 13.5% to 62.5% across different countries. Surgery remains the primary management strategy, but cataract surgical coverage varies widely (12.1% to 96%). Significant barriers to effective management include lack of awareness, limited access to healthcare, economic constraints, gender disparities, and cultural misconceptions about cataract surgery. […] There is a significant burden of cataracts among older adults in SSA, with considerable variations in prevalence and surgical coverage across the region. Comprehensive strategies addressing awareness, accessibility, affordability, and cultural factors are needed to improve cataract management and reduce visual impairment in SSA.
  • #12 Azthena logo with the word Azthena
    https://www.news-medical.net/health/Cataract-Epidemiology.aspx
    Cataracts are very common, but are more likely to develop in older individuals. In the UK alone, age-related cataracts are thought to affect around half of those aged over 65 years to some degree, with this figure rising to 70% in those aged over 85. […] Australian studies have shown that the prevalence of cataract doubles with each decade of age after 40 years and that nearly everyone aged 90 years or older is affected by cataracts. […] Estimates predict that, currently, cataracts affect around 22 million adults aged 40 or older and that by the year 2020, this number will have approximately doubled. […] It has been estimated that cases of cataracts will continue to rise predominantly in developing countries where population increases will be the greatest. As the number of individuals aged over 65 years continues to increase, so will the incidence of cataract and the need for cataract surgery.
  • #13 Cataract – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539699/
    Prevalence and incidence: Many studies in 2010 reveal that cataracts are most common in the White American race, where prevalence ranges from 17 to 18% per 100 people. Blacks were the second-highest affected by cataracts, with a 13% prevalence rate, followed by Hispanics, with a prevalence rate of almost 12%.[27] […] Age: Onset is gradual and progressive, commonly in the older age group, typically in the fifth and sixth decade, though cases have been reported in children and the elderly as well.[28] […] Sex: Recent studies reveal that the disease is more common in women than men, with a male-to-female ratio of 1 to approximately 1.3.[29]
  • #14 Cataract – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539699/
    Prevalence and incidence: Many studies in 2010 reveal that cataracts are most common in the White American race, where prevalence ranges from 17 to 18% per 100 people. Blacks were the second-highest affected by cataracts, with a 13% prevalence rate, followed by Hispanics, with a prevalence rate of almost 12%.[27] […] Age: Onset is gradual and progressive, commonly in the older age group, typically in the fifth and sixth decade, though cases have been reported in children and the elderly as well.[28] […] Sex: Recent studies reveal that the disease is more common in women than men, with a male-to-female ratio of 1 to approximately 1.3.[29]
  • #15 Correlation Between Sunlight Exposure Time and Cataract Prevalence in Korean Adults
    https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/22/10707
    Cataracts are one of the visual impairment diseases caused by the opacity of the lens of the eye. In addition, cataracts are a disease that commonly occurs in middle-aged and elderly adults among eye-related diseases. According to data from the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2012, the prevalence of cataracts in people over the age of 65 in Korea was 38.8% (31.0% for men and 44.3% for women), which was 13% higher for women than men. […] Given the rapidly aging population of Korea, the incidence of cataracts is expected to continue to increase in the future. […] The mechanism of cataract formation is very complex and has been reported to be related to systemic diseases such as diabetes, as well as ultraviolet rays, heat, hormone abnormalities, and smoking. […] Among them, exposure to sunlight containing ultraviolet (UV) rays is known to be an important factor in inducing cataracts both epidemiologically and experimentally.
  • #16
    https://journals.lww.com/ijo/fulltext/2023/05000/age_related_cataract___prevalence,_epidemiological.42.aspx
    To study the epidemiological pattern, prevalence, types, and correlates of age-related cataracts in a tertiary care center in central India. […] The prevalence of cataracts in the pre-senile age group (60 years) was found to have increased significantly (35.7%). […] A higher prevalence of PSC (43.4%) was found in studied subjects, as compared to the data of previous studies. […] According to the national blindness and visual impairment (NPCB and VI) survey 2015-2019, cataract contributes to 66.2% of blindness and 71.2% of visual impairment in the population above 50 years in India. […] It is important to evaluate the epidemiology, prevalence, demographic pattern, morphology, and attributable risk factors in different population groups, which would subsequently aid in estimating the adequacy of existing resources, cataract surgical coverage, and accessibility.
  • #17 Cataract – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539699/
    Prevalence and incidence: Many studies in 2010 reveal that cataracts are most common in the White American race, where prevalence ranges from 17 to 18% per 100 people. Blacks were the second-highest affected by cataracts, with a 13% prevalence rate, followed by Hispanics, with a prevalence rate of almost 12%.[27] […] Age: Onset is gradual and progressive, commonly in the older age group, typically in the fifth and sixth decade, though cases have been reported in children and the elderly as well.[28] […] Sex: Recent studies reveal that the disease is more common in women than men, with a male-to-female ratio of 1 to approximately 1.3.[29]
  • #18 Global, regional, national burden and gender disparity of cataract: findings from the global burden of disease study 2019 | BMC Public Health | Full Text
    https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-022-14491-0
    The impact of cataracts on visual loss, especially in an elderly population, exacerbates the risk of dementia, increases the likelihood of falls and road traffic crashes, can markedly affect the quality of an individual’s life and ultimately leads to higher mortality. […] Gender inequality in the global burden of cataracts has persisted from 1990 to 2019 and has even gradually increased over the decades. […] The gender inequality observed in the South-East Asia region was greater than that in the other WHO regions, with the highest both age-standardized rates of DALY and prevalence. […] Gender inequality in the burden of cataracts had persisted since 1990, and the inequality remained with aging among different stages of vision impairments and regions with different levels of development. […] The aging of the population is outpacing the growth of the profession, cataract still reminds a global public health concern. […] Cataract-related health services should be strengthened for the older population, females, and people in lower SDI regions.
  • #19 Senile Cataract (Age-Related Cataract): Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1210914-overview
    Although the risk of dying as a result of cataract extraction is almost negligible, studies have shown an increased risk of mortality in patients who underwent surgery. […] These data imply an association between senile cataracts and increased mortality. […] Age is an important risk factor for senile cataract. As a person ages, the chance of developing a senile cataract increases. […] In the absence of any other accompanying ocular disease prior to surgery that would affect significantly the visual outcome (eg macular degeneration or optic nerve atrophy), a successful uncomplicated standard ECCE or phacoemulsification carries a very promising visual prognosis of gaining at least 2 lines in the Snellen distance vision chart. […] Education programs are geared toward early detection and surgical intervention when vision is impaired functionally.
  • #20 JMIR Public Health and Surveillance – Changing Trends in the Global Burden of Cataract Over the Past 30 Years: Retrospective Data Analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
    https://publichealth.jmir.org/2023/1/e47349
    Cataracts now account for the largest proportion of the global burden of blindness and vision loss. Understanding the changing trends in the global burden of cataracts over the past 30 years and the next 15 years is of clear significance for the prevention and control of cataracts in key populations. As far as we know, research on the future burden of cataracts is lacking. This study aims to assess the global burden of cataracts over the past 30 years by using age-period-cohort modeling and to estimate trends in the next 15 years. Globally, the number of DALYs due to cataract increased from 3,492,604 in 1990 to 6,676,281 in 2019. The prediction model suggested that the number of DALYs due to cataract will continue to rise globally, while the cataract DALY rate will continue to decrease. While the ASDR of cataracts has decreased, there has been a notable increase in the number of DALYs over the past 30 years. Projections suggest that the global burden of cataracts will continue to rise over the next 15 years. Age, female sex, air pollution, smoking, high fasting plasma glucose levels, and a high body mass index were risk factors for the burden of cataracts. Higher DALY rates were also associated with lower SDI, lower HDI, national PM2.5 concentration, and ambient UVR levels. The ASDRs of cataracts varied significantly between regions and nations and were lower in high-income regions and countries, while SDI and HDI were negatively correlated with cataract ASDR. The results of this study may have implications for public health, as cataracts are susceptible to air pollution, smoking, high fasting plasma glucose, and high BMI, and increased health awareness may be a cost-effective intervention to prevent blindness in patients with cataract. Over the past 3 decades, the global burden of cataract has increased, as evidenced by the increasing number of DALYs. Effective resource allocation and health-service planning will be essential in managing the anticipated increase in the global burden of cataract in the next 15 years. […] We predicted that, due to population growth and aging, the DALYs due to cataracts for both sexes are expected to continue to increase over the next 15 years.
  • #21 JMIR Public Health and Surveillance – Changing Trends in the Global Burden of Cataract Over the Past 30 Years: Retrospective Data Analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
    https://publichealth.jmir.org/2023/1/e47349
    Cataracts now account for the largest proportion of the global burden of blindness and vision loss. Understanding the changing trends in the global burden of cataracts over the past 30 years and the next 15 years is of clear significance for the prevention and control of cataracts in key populations. As far as we know, research on the future burden of cataracts is lacking. This study aims to assess the global burden of cataracts over the past 30 years by using age-period-cohort modeling and to estimate trends in the next 15 years. Globally, the number of DALYs due to cataract increased from 3,492,604 in 1990 to 6,676,281 in 2019. The prediction model suggested that the number of DALYs due to cataract will continue to rise globally, while the cataract DALY rate will continue to decrease. While the ASDR of cataracts has decreased, there has been a notable increase in the number of DALYs over the past 30 years. Projections suggest that the global burden of cataracts will continue to rise over the next 15 years. Age, female sex, air pollution, smoking, high fasting plasma glucose levels, and a high body mass index were risk factors for the burden of cataracts. Higher DALY rates were also associated with lower SDI, lower HDI, national PM2.5 concentration, and ambient UVR levels. The ASDRs of cataracts varied significantly between regions and nations and were lower in high-income regions and countries, while SDI and HDI were negatively correlated with cataract ASDR. The results of this study may have implications for public health, as cataracts are susceptible to air pollution, smoking, high fasting plasma glucose, and high BMI, and increased health awareness may be a cost-effective intervention to prevent blindness in patients with cataract. Over the past 3 decades, the global burden of cataract has increased, as evidenced by the increasing number of DALYs. Effective resource allocation and health-service planning will be essential in managing the anticipated increase in the global burden of cataract in the next 15 years. […] We predicted that, due to population growth and aging, the DALYs due to cataracts for both sexes are expected to continue to increase over the next 15 years.
  • #22 Cataracts – SEE InternationalSearchExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandToggle MenuExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandToggle Menu CloseSearch
    https://www.seeintl.org/cataracts/
    Cataracts cause a third of worldwide blindness. […] According to the World Health Organization, cataracts affect approximately 65.2 million people and cause moderate to severe vision loss in over 80% cases. As populations age and average life expectancy continues to increase worldwide, the number of people with cataracts will continue to grow. […] Although mainly the result of aging, cataracts can affect anyone. Most people do not show symptoms of cataracts until at least the age of 40, cataracts can affect young adults and children. Hereditary, disease, eye injury, and smoking could cause cataracts to develop at an earlier age. […] You may be at risk for cataracts if you have certain health problems, like diabetes, smoke, drink too much alcohol, have a family history of cataracts, have had an eye injury, eye surgery, or radiation treatment on your upper body, have spent a lot of time in the sun, or take steroids. […] There is no way to completely prevent cataracts, however, there are a few steps you can take to lower your risk of cataracts. […] Both techniques are highly effective and can reliably restore the sight to people blinded by cataracts in almost every case.
  • #23 Correlation Between Sunlight Exposure Time and Cataract Prevalence in Korean Adults
    https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/22/10707
    Cataracts are one of the visual impairment diseases caused by the opacity of the lens of the eye. In addition, cataracts are a disease that commonly occurs in middle-aged and elderly adults among eye-related diseases. According to data from the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2012, the prevalence of cataracts in people over the age of 65 in Korea was 38.8% (31.0% for men and 44.3% for women), which was 13% higher for women than men. […] Given the rapidly aging population of Korea, the incidence of cataracts is expected to continue to increase in the future. […] The mechanism of cataract formation is very complex and has been reported to be related to systemic diseases such as diabetes, as well as ultraviolet rays, heat, hormone abnormalities, and smoking. […] Among them, exposure to sunlight containing ultraviolet (UV) rays is known to be an important factor in inducing cataracts both epidemiologically and experimentally.
  • #24 JMIR Public Health and Surveillance – Changing Trends in the Global Burden of Cataract Over the Past 30 Years: Retrospective Data Analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
    https://publichealth.jmir.org/2023/1/e47349
    Cataracts now account for the largest proportion of the global burden of blindness and vision loss. Understanding the changing trends in the global burden of cataracts over the past 30 years and the next 15 years is of clear significance for the prevention and control of cataracts in key populations. As far as we know, research on the future burden of cataracts is lacking. This study aims to assess the global burden of cataracts over the past 30 years by using age-period-cohort modeling and to estimate trends in the next 15 years. Globally, the number of DALYs due to cataract increased from 3,492,604 in 1990 to 6,676,281 in 2019. The prediction model suggested that the number of DALYs due to cataract will continue to rise globally, while the cataract DALY rate will continue to decrease. While the ASDR of cataracts has decreased, there has been a notable increase in the number of DALYs over the past 30 years. Projections suggest that the global burden of cataracts will continue to rise over the next 15 years. Age, female sex, air pollution, smoking, high fasting plasma glucose levels, and a high body mass index were risk factors for the burden of cataracts. Higher DALY rates were also associated with lower SDI, lower HDI, national PM2.5 concentration, and ambient UVR levels. The ASDRs of cataracts varied significantly between regions and nations and were lower in high-income regions and countries, while SDI and HDI were negatively correlated with cataract ASDR. The results of this study may have implications for public health, as cataracts are susceptible to air pollution, smoking, high fasting plasma glucose, and high BMI, and increased health awareness may be a cost-effective intervention to prevent blindness in patients with cataract. Over the past 3 decades, the global burden of cataract has increased, as evidenced by the increasing number of DALYs. Effective resource allocation and health-service planning will be essential in managing the anticipated increase in the global burden of cataract in the next 15 years. […] We predicted that, due to population growth and aging, the DALYs due to cataracts for both sexes are expected to continue to increase over the next 15 years.
  • #25 JMIR Public Health and Surveillance – Changing Trends in the Global Burden of Cataract Over the Past 30 Years: Retrospective Data Analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
    https://publichealth.jmir.org/2023/1/e47349
    Cataracts now account for the largest proportion of the global burden of blindness and vision loss. Understanding the changing trends in the global burden of cataracts over the past 30 years and the next 15 years is of clear significance for the prevention and control of cataracts in key populations. As far as we know, research on the future burden of cataracts is lacking. This study aims to assess the global burden of cataracts over the past 30 years by using age-period-cohort modeling and to estimate trends in the next 15 years. Globally, the number of DALYs due to cataract increased from 3,492,604 in 1990 to 6,676,281 in 2019. The prediction model suggested that the number of DALYs due to cataract will continue to rise globally, while the cataract DALY rate will continue to decrease. While the ASDR of cataracts has decreased, there has been a notable increase in the number of DALYs over the past 30 years. Projections suggest that the global burden of cataracts will continue to rise over the next 15 years. Age, female sex, air pollution, smoking, high fasting plasma glucose levels, and a high body mass index were risk factors for the burden of cataracts. Higher DALY rates were also associated with lower SDI, lower HDI, national PM2.5 concentration, and ambient UVR levels. The ASDRs of cataracts varied significantly between regions and nations and were lower in high-income regions and countries, while SDI and HDI were negatively correlated with cataract ASDR. The results of this study may have implications for public health, as cataracts are susceptible to air pollution, smoking, high fasting plasma glucose, and high BMI, and increased health awareness may be a cost-effective intervention to prevent blindness in patients with cataract. Over the past 3 decades, the global burden of cataract has increased, as evidenced by the increasing number of DALYs. Effective resource allocation and health-service planning will be essential in managing the anticipated increase in the global burden of cataract in the next 15 years. […] We predicted that, due to population growth and aging, the DALYs due to cataracts for both sexes are expected to continue to increase over the next 15 years.
  • #26 JMIR Public Health and Surveillance – Changing Trends in the Global Burden of Cataract Over the Past 30 Years: Retrospective Data Analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
    https://publichealth.jmir.org/2023/1/e47349
    Cataracts now account for the largest proportion of the global burden of blindness and vision loss. Understanding the changing trends in the global burden of cataracts over the past 30 years and the next 15 years is of clear significance for the prevention and control of cataracts in key populations. As far as we know, research on the future burden of cataracts is lacking. This study aims to assess the global burden of cataracts over the past 30 years by using age-period-cohort modeling and to estimate trends in the next 15 years. Globally, the number of DALYs due to cataract increased from 3,492,604 in 1990 to 6,676,281 in 2019. The prediction model suggested that the number of DALYs due to cataract will continue to rise globally, while the cataract DALY rate will continue to decrease. While the ASDR of cataracts has decreased, there has been a notable increase in the number of DALYs over the past 30 years. Projections suggest that the global burden of cataracts will continue to rise over the next 15 years. Age, female sex, air pollution, smoking, high fasting plasma glucose levels, and a high body mass index were risk factors for the burden of cataracts. Higher DALY rates were also associated with lower SDI, lower HDI, national PM2.5 concentration, and ambient UVR levels. The ASDRs of cataracts varied significantly between regions and nations and were lower in high-income regions and countries, while SDI and HDI were negatively correlated with cataract ASDR. The results of this study may have implications for public health, as cataracts are susceptible to air pollution, smoking, high fasting plasma glucose, and high BMI, and increased health awareness may be a cost-effective intervention to prevent blindness in patients with cataract. Over the past 3 decades, the global burden of cataract has increased, as evidenced by the increasing number of DALYs. Effective resource allocation and health-service planning will be essential in managing the anticipated increase in the global burden of cataract in the next 15 years. […] We predicted that, due to population growth and aging, the DALYs due to cataracts for both sexes are expected to continue to increase over the next 15 years.
  • #27 Cataract – EyeWiki
    https://eyewiki.org/Cataract
    Cataracts often develop slowly and painlessly, so vision and lifestyle can be affected without a person realizing it. […] Worldwide, cataracts are the number one cause of preventable blindness. […] Approximately 3 million Americans choose to have cataract surgery each year, and it has an overall success rate of 97% or higher when performed in appropriate settings. […] While the majority of cataracts in the population are age-related, or senile, cataracts, there are many types and causes of cataract. […] Age-related cataract is by far the most common type, and it is further divided into 3 types based on the anatomy of the human lens: nuclear sclerotic, cortical, and posterior subcapsular. […] Risk factors for cataract development include the following: diabetes or elevated blood sugar, steroid use (oral, IV, or inhaled), UV exposure, smoking, ocular diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa or uveitis, ocular trauma, prior ocular surgery, genetic predisposition, cataracts associated with dermatologic diseases, and radiation or chemotherapy treatment. […] No medical treatment has been shown to be effective in the treatment or prevention of cataracts, although this is an active area of research. […] Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures performed around the world and has a very high success rate.
  • #28 Cataracts – SEE InternationalSearchExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandToggle MenuExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandToggle Menu CloseSearch
    https://www.seeintl.org/cataracts/
    Cataracts cause a third of worldwide blindness. […] According to the World Health Organization, cataracts affect approximately 65.2 million people and cause moderate to severe vision loss in over 80% cases. As populations age and average life expectancy continues to increase worldwide, the number of people with cataracts will continue to grow. […] Although mainly the result of aging, cataracts can affect anyone. Most people do not show symptoms of cataracts until at least the age of 40, cataracts can affect young adults and children. Hereditary, disease, eye injury, and smoking could cause cataracts to develop at an earlier age. […] You may be at risk for cataracts if you have certain health problems, like diabetes, smoke, drink too much alcohol, have a family history of cataracts, have had an eye injury, eye surgery, or radiation treatment on your upper body, have spent a lot of time in the sun, or take steroids. […] There is no way to completely prevent cataracts, however, there are a few steps you can take to lower your risk of cataracts. […] Both techniques are highly effective and can reliably restore the sight to people blinded by cataracts in almost every case.
  • #29 Cataract – EyeWiki
    https://eyewiki.org/Cataract
    Cataracts often develop slowly and painlessly, so vision and lifestyle can be affected without a person realizing it. […] Worldwide, cataracts are the number one cause of preventable blindness. […] Approximately 3 million Americans choose to have cataract surgery each year, and it has an overall success rate of 97% or higher when performed in appropriate settings. […] While the majority of cataracts in the population are age-related, or senile, cataracts, there are many types and causes of cataract. […] Age-related cataract is by far the most common type, and it is further divided into 3 types based on the anatomy of the human lens: nuclear sclerotic, cortical, and posterior subcapsular. […] Risk factors for cataract development include the following: diabetes or elevated blood sugar, steroid use (oral, IV, or inhaled), UV exposure, smoking, ocular diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa or uveitis, ocular trauma, prior ocular surgery, genetic predisposition, cataracts associated with dermatologic diseases, and radiation or chemotherapy treatment. […] No medical treatment has been shown to be effective in the treatment or prevention of cataracts, although this is an active area of research. […] Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures performed around the world and has a very high success rate.
  • #30 Cataract – EyeWiki
    https://eyewiki.org/Cataract
    Cataracts often develop slowly and painlessly, so vision and lifestyle can be affected without a person realizing it. […] Worldwide, cataracts are the number one cause of preventable blindness. […] Approximately 3 million Americans choose to have cataract surgery each year, and it has an overall success rate of 97% or higher when performed in appropriate settings. […] While the majority of cataracts in the population are age-related, or senile, cataracts, there are many types and causes of cataract. […] Age-related cataract is by far the most common type, and it is further divided into 3 types based on the anatomy of the human lens: nuclear sclerotic, cortical, and posterior subcapsular. […] Risk factors for cataract development include the following: diabetes or elevated blood sugar, steroid use (oral, IV, or inhaled), UV exposure, smoking, ocular diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa or uveitis, ocular trauma, prior ocular surgery, genetic predisposition, cataracts associated with dermatologic diseases, and radiation or chemotherapy treatment. […] No medical treatment has been shown to be effective in the treatment or prevention of cataracts, although this is an active area of research. […] Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures performed around the world and has a very high success rate.
  • #31 Correlation Between Sunlight Exposure Time and Cataract Prevalence in Korean Adults
    https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/22/10707
    WHO estimates that 20% of global blindness due to cataracts can be attributed to UV exposure. Avoiding direct sunlight during peak hours of UV-B has been suggested as a strong major preventive measure for cortical cataracts. […] In our study, we concluded that Korean adults are at risk of developing cataracts when the sunlight exposure time is more than 5 h. […] An analysis of cataract prevalence according to the sunlight exposure time showed that the majority of Korean adults had nuclear cataracts (67.8%), followed by cortical cataracts (27.1%), posterior subcapsular cataracts (1.6%), and anterior subcapsular cataracts (3.5%). […] The results showed that both the group exposed to sunlight for 2 to 5 h and the group exposed to sunlight for more than 5 h had a statistically significantly higher incidence of cataracts after the age of 45 compared to before the age of 45.
  • #32
    https://journals.lww.com/ijo/fulltext/2023/05000/age_related_cataract___prevalence,_epidemiological.42.aspx
    To study the epidemiological pattern, prevalence, types, and correlates of age-related cataracts in a tertiary care center in central India. […] The prevalence of cataracts in the pre-senile age group (60 years) was found to have increased significantly (35.7%). […] A higher prevalence of PSC (43.4%) was found in studied subjects, as compared to the data of previous studies. […] According to the national blindness and visual impairment (NPCB and VI) survey 2015-2019, cataract contributes to 66.2% of blindness and 71.2% of visual impairment in the population above 50 years in India. […] It is important to evaluate the epidemiology, prevalence, demographic pattern, morphology, and attributable risk factors in different population groups, which would subsequently aid in estimating the adequacy of existing resources, cataract surgical coverage, and accessibility.
  • #33 Case Definitions: Cataract | Vision and Eye Health Surveillance System | CDC
    https://www.cdc.gov/vision-health-data/case-definitions/cataract.html
    VEHSS reports on the prevalence of cataract for the following categories based on these methods of identification: Examination-based cataract, self-reported cataract, and diagnosed cataract. […] The National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) includes a self-report question on whether a doctor ever told the respondent that they had cataracts. […] VEHSS reports the annual prevalence of diagnosed cataract based on the presence of International Classification of Diseases ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes in patient claims or electronic health record (EHR) systems. […] Note that diagnosis codes in claims data are intended for billing purposes and may underestimate the true prevalence of cataracts. […] VEHSS defines the following summary subgroups indicating whether there is evidence that a patient with diagnosed cataract also had a diagnosis of previous cataract treatment. […] Treated cataract includes diagnosed cataract at any stage AND diagnosed pseudophakia. […] Untreated cataract includes diagnosed cataract at any stage AND NOT diagnosed pseudophakia.
  • #34 Case Definitions: Cataract | Vision and Eye Health Surveillance System | CDC
    https://www.cdc.gov/vision-health-data/case-definitions/cataract.html
    VEHSS reports on the prevalence of cataract for the following categories based on these methods of identification: Examination-based cataract, self-reported cataract, and diagnosed cataract. […] The National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) includes a self-report question on whether a doctor ever told the respondent that they had cataracts. […] VEHSS reports the annual prevalence of diagnosed cataract based on the presence of International Classification of Diseases ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes in patient claims or electronic health record (EHR) systems. […] Note that diagnosis codes in claims data are intended for billing purposes and may underestimate the true prevalence of cataracts. […] VEHSS defines the following summary subgroups indicating whether there is evidence that a patient with diagnosed cataract also had a diagnosis of previous cataract treatment. […] Treated cataract includes diagnosed cataract at any stage AND diagnosed pseudophakia. […] Untreated cataract includes diagnosed cataract at any stage AND NOT diagnosed pseudophakia.
  • #35 Case Definitions: Cataract | Vision and Eye Health Surveillance System | CDC
    https://www.cdc.gov/vision-health-data/case-definitions/cataract.html
    VEHSS reports on the prevalence of cataract for the following categories based on these methods of identification: Examination-based cataract, self-reported cataract, and diagnosed cataract. […] The National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) includes a self-report question on whether a doctor ever told the respondent that they had cataracts. […] VEHSS reports the annual prevalence of diagnosed cataract based on the presence of International Classification of Diseases ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes in patient claims or electronic health record (EHR) systems. […] Note that diagnosis codes in claims data are intended for billing purposes and may underestimate the true prevalence of cataracts. […] VEHSS defines the following summary subgroups indicating whether there is evidence that a patient with diagnosed cataract also had a diagnosis of previous cataract treatment. […] Treated cataract includes diagnosed cataract at any stage AND diagnosed pseudophakia. […] Untreated cataract includes diagnosed cataract at any stage AND NOT diagnosed pseudophakia.
  • #36 Global, regional, national burden and gender disparity of cataract: findings from the global burden of disease study 2019 | BMC Public Health | Full Text
    https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-022-14491-0
    To evaluate the global burden of cataracts by year, age, region, gender, and socioeconomic status using disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and prevalence from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2019. […] From 1990 to 2019, global DALY numbers caused by cataracts rose by 91.2%, crude rates increased by 32.2%, while age-standardized rates fell by 11.0%. […] Gender disparity has existed since 1990, with the female being more heavily impacted. […] The global health of cataracts is improving but the steady growth in crude DALY rates suggested that health progress does not mean fewer demands for cataracts. […] Globally, older age, females, and lower socioeconomic status are associated with higher cataract burden. […] The prevalence of cataracts increases with age, ranging from 3.9% among 5564years to 92.6% among those 80years and older.
  • #37 JMIR Public Health and Surveillance – Changing Trends in the Global Burden of Cataract Over the Past 30 Years: Retrospective Data Analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
    https://publichealth.jmir.org/2023/1/e47349
    Cataracts now account for the largest proportion of the global burden of blindness and vision loss. Understanding the changing trends in the global burden of cataracts over the past 30 years and the next 15 years is of clear significance for the prevention and control of cataracts in key populations. As far as we know, research on the future burden of cataracts is lacking. This study aims to assess the global burden of cataracts over the past 30 years by using age-period-cohort modeling and to estimate trends in the next 15 years. Globally, the number of DALYs due to cataract increased from 3,492,604 in 1990 to 6,676,281 in 2019. The prediction model suggested that the number of DALYs due to cataract will continue to rise globally, while the cataract DALY rate will continue to decrease. While the ASDR of cataracts has decreased, there has been a notable increase in the number of DALYs over the past 30 years. Projections suggest that the global burden of cataracts will continue to rise over the next 15 years. Age, female sex, air pollution, smoking, high fasting plasma glucose levels, and a high body mass index were risk factors for the burden of cataracts. Higher DALY rates were also associated with lower SDI, lower HDI, national PM2.5 concentration, and ambient UVR levels. The ASDRs of cataracts varied significantly between regions and nations and were lower in high-income regions and countries, while SDI and HDI were negatively correlated with cataract ASDR. The results of this study may have implications for public health, as cataracts are susceptible to air pollution, smoking, high fasting plasma glucose, and high BMI, and increased health awareness may be a cost-effective intervention to prevent blindness in patients with cataract. Over the past 3 decades, the global burden of cataract has increased, as evidenced by the increasing number of DALYs. Effective resource allocation and health-service planning will be essential in managing the anticipated increase in the global burden of cataract in the next 15 years. […] We predicted that, due to population growth and aging, the DALYs due to cataracts for both sexes are expected to continue to increase over the next 15 years.
  • #38 Azthena logo with the word Azthena
    https://www.news-medical.net/health/Cataract-Epidemiology.aspx
    Cataracts are very common, but are more likely to develop in older individuals. In the UK alone, age-related cataracts are thought to affect around half of those aged over 65 years to some degree, with this figure rising to 70% in those aged over 85. […] Australian studies have shown that the prevalence of cataract doubles with each decade of age after 40 years and that nearly everyone aged 90 years or older is affected by cataracts. […] Estimates predict that, currently, cataracts affect around 22 million adults aged 40 or older and that by the year 2020, this number will have approximately doubled. […] It has been estimated that cases of cataracts will continue to rise predominantly in developing countries where population increases will be the greatest. As the number of individuals aged over 65 years continues to increase, so will the incidence of cataract and the need for cataract surgery.
  • #39
    https://www.ijcmph.com/index.php/ijcmph/article/view/11381
    Cataract is characterized by lens opacity, making images look blurred and hazy. It causes increased light sensitivity, decreased vision at night, and seeing double images, leading to total blindness. The WHO also estimates that cataract blindness will reach 40 million by 2025 due to ageing population and longer life expectancy. Developing countries, including Sub-Saharan Africa have the highest number of people who are blind due to cataract. This study aims to determine the awareness, prevalence and risk burden of cataract among adults in Ido/Osi LGA, a rural community of Ekiti State. […] The prevalence of cataract in this study is 3.9%. Cataract significant Visual Acuity was found in 49 (13.5%) of the respondents. Age (0.001), visual impairment (0.001), hypertension (0.001) and diabetes mellitus (0.003) were the factors associated with having cataracts. […] Intersectorial collaboration, health education through the mass media, evidenced based policies and research will help reduce the prevalence of cataract.
  • #40 Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Impact of Undiagnosed Visually Significant Cataract: The Singapore Epidemiology of Eye Diseases Study | PLOS One
    https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0170804
    While population-based studies have explored the prevalence of cataract/cataract surgery in Asia, the literature on rates of undiagnosed cataract is limited. It is plausible that patients may adapt to their visual impairment and may fail to notice functional decline as a result of undiagnosed cataract. Understanding the prevalence, risk factors and visual functioning associated with undiagnosed visually significant cataract may inform public health strategies to increase eye health awareness and access to eye screening services with the potential to reduce the burden of visual impairment from undiagnosed cataract from both the patient and societal perspective. […] Two-thirds of Singaporean adults with visually significant cataract were previously undiagnosed. Half of these cases had bilateral visual impairment and substantially reduced quality of life. Public health strategies targeting elderly patients, such as regular screening for visual impairment and timely referral to ophthalmologists in order to prevent progression to bilateral visual impairment when visual function is compromised are warranted.
  • #41 Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Impact of Undiagnosed Visually Significant Cataract: The Singapore Epidemiology of Eye Diseases Study | PLOS One
    https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0170804
    Among the 925 participants with visually significant cataract, 636 (68.8%) were unaware of their cataract status. Age-standardized prevalence varied according to ethnicity, with Malays having higher rates than Chinese and Indians. Factors independently associated with having undiagnosed visually significant cataract were: Malay ethnicity, lower educational attainment, in employment, and without a history of diabetes. In those with undiagnosed visually significant cataract, half had bilateral visual impairment, which was significantly associated with poorer visual functioning compared to those with unilateral visual impairment. […] In this multi-ethnic, population-based study of adult Singaporeans, we found that (1) two-third of individuals with visually significant cataract were previously undiagnosed; (2) independent factors associated with undiagnosed visually significant cataract were Malay ethnicity, lower educational attainment, employment, and without a history of diabetes; (3) approximately half of the undiagnosed participants had bilateral visual impairment, which was significantly associated with poorer visual functioning compared to unilateral visual impairment. Our research suggests that cataract remains undiagnosed in many Asian individuals and has a substantial negative effect on visual functioning once vision in both eyes is compromised.
  • #42 Cataract – EyeWiki
    https://eyewiki.org/Cataract
    Cataracts often develop slowly and painlessly, so vision and lifestyle can be affected without a person realizing it. […] Worldwide, cataracts are the number one cause of preventable blindness. […] Approximately 3 million Americans choose to have cataract surgery each year, and it has an overall success rate of 97% or higher when performed in appropriate settings. […] While the majority of cataracts in the population are age-related, or senile, cataracts, there are many types and causes of cataract. […] Age-related cataract is by far the most common type, and it is further divided into 3 types based on the anatomy of the human lens: nuclear sclerotic, cortical, and posterior subcapsular. […] Risk factors for cataract development include the following: diabetes or elevated blood sugar, steroid use (oral, IV, or inhaled), UV exposure, smoking, ocular diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa or uveitis, ocular trauma, prior ocular surgery, genetic predisposition, cataracts associated with dermatologic diseases, and radiation or chemotherapy treatment. […] No medical treatment has been shown to be effective in the treatment or prevention of cataracts, although this is an active area of research. […] Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures performed around the world and has a very high success rate.
  • #43 Adult Cataract – UF Health
    https://ufhealth.org/conditions-and-treatments/adult-cataract
    A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. […] As a person ages, proteins in the lens begin to break down. This makes the lens less flexible so that it is harder to focus on near objects. Over time, the lens becomes cloudy. What the eye sees may appear blurry at all distances. This condition is known as a cataract. […] Mild clouding of the lens often occurs after age 60. But it may not cause any vision problems. […] By age 75, most people have cataracts that affect their vision. […] Cataracts lead to decreased vision, even in daylight. Most people with cataracts have similar changes in both eyes, though one eye may be worse than the other. Often there are only mild vision changes. […] A standard eye exam and slit-lamp examination are used to diagnose cataracts. Other tests are rarely needed, except to check for other causes of poor vision.
  • #44 Cataract – adult Information | Mount Sinai – New York
    https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/cataract-adult
    Cataracts develop slowly and painlessly. Vision in the affected eye slowly gets worse. […] By age 75, most people have cataracts that affect their vision. […] Early diagnosis and properly timed treatment are key to preventing permanent vision problems. […] The best prevention involves controlling diseases that increase the risk for a cataract. Avoiding exposure to things that promote cataract formation can also help.
  • #45 Cataracts and Subclinical Carotid Atherosclerosis in Older Adults ― A Cross-Sectional Study of the HEIJO-KYO Cohort ―
    https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/circj/83/10/83_CJ-19-0118/_article/-char/en
    Epidemiology Cataracts and Subclinical Carotid Atherosclerosis in Older Adults A Cross-Sectional Study of the HEIJO-KYO Cohort […] In this cross-sectional study, cataracts were graded using slit lamp biomicroscopy with the Lens Opacities Classification System III and carotid atherosclerosis was assessed based on carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) measured using ultrasonography of the common carotid artery in 442 elderly participants (mean age, 70.0 years). […] In multivariable analysis adjusted for potential confounders, the mean and maximal carotid IMT were significantly greater in the cataract group than in the non-cataract group by 0.04 mm (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.010.06) and 0.07 mm (95% CI, 0.010.12), respectively. […] Logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounders revealed a significantly higher odds ratio for carotid atherosclerosis (maximal carotid IMT 1.1 mm) in the cataract group than in the non-cataract group (odds ratio, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.142.78). […] Cataracts may be independently associated with subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in the elderly population, indicating a need for further prospective studies.
  • #46 Cataracts and Subclinical Carotid Atherosclerosis in Older Adults ― A Cross-Sectional Study of the HEIJO-KYO Cohort ―
    https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/circj/83/10/83_CJ-19-0118/_article/-char/en
    Epidemiology Cataracts and Subclinical Carotid Atherosclerosis in Older Adults A Cross-Sectional Study of the HEIJO-KYO Cohort […] In this cross-sectional study, cataracts were graded using slit lamp biomicroscopy with the Lens Opacities Classification System III and carotid atherosclerosis was assessed based on carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) measured using ultrasonography of the common carotid artery in 442 elderly participants (mean age, 70.0 years). […] In multivariable analysis adjusted for potential confounders, the mean and maximal carotid IMT were significantly greater in the cataract group than in the non-cataract group by 0.04 mm (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.010.06) and 0.07 mm (95% CI, 0.010.12), respectively. […] Logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounders revealed a significantly higher odds ratio for carotid atherosclerosis (maximal carotid IMT 1.1 mm) in the cataract group than in the non-cataract group (odds ratio, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.142.78). […] Cataracts may be independently associated with subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in the elderly population, indicating a need for further prospective studies.
  • #47 Global, regional, national burden and gender disparity of cataract: findings from the global burden of disease study 2019 | BMC Public Health | Full Text
    https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-022-14491-0
    The impact of cataracts on visual loss, especially in an elderly population, exacerbates the risk of dementia, increases the likelihood of falls and road traffic crashes, can markedly affect the quality of an individual’s life and ultimately leads to higher mortality. […] Gender inequality in the global burden of cataracts has persisted from 1990 to 2019 and has even gradually increased over the decades. […] The gender inequality observed in the South-East Asia region was greater than that in the other WHO regions, with the highest both age-standardized rates of DALY and prevalence. […] Gender inequality in the burden of cataracts had persisted since 1990, and the inequality remained with aging among different stages of vision impairments and regions with different levels of development. […] The aging of the population is outpacing the growth of the profession, cataract still reminds a global public health concern. […] Cataract-related health services should be strengthened for the older population, females, and people in lower SDI regions.
  • #48 Prevalence and management of cataracts among older adults in Sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review | BMC Ophthalmology | Full Text
    https://bmcophthalmol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12886-024-03701-5
    The effective management and treatment of cataracts in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) face several significant barriers. Lack of awareness is a common issue, as many individuals, particularly in rural areas, are not informed about cataracts or the available treatment options. Limited access to healthcare is another critical barrier, with scarce healthcare facilities and services, especially in lower-middle-income countries. Economic constraints are a pervasive issue, as the high cost of cataract surgery prevents many from seeking timely medical intervention. […] This scoping review reveals a significant prevalence of cataracts among older adults in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), ranging from 3.9% to 62.5% across different countries. Surgery remains the primary management strategy, but cataract surgical coverage varies widely, from 12.1% to 96%. The number of surgeries needed per million population ranges from 1800 in Rwanda to 4500 in Mali.
  • #49 Prevalence and management of cataracts among older adults in Sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review | BMC Ophthalmology | Full Text
    https://bmcophthalmol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12886-024-03701-5
    The effective management and treatment of cataracts in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) face several significant barriers. Lack of awareness is a common issue, as many individuals, particularly in rural areas, are not informed about cataracts or the available treatment options. Limited access to healthcare is another critical barrier, with scarce healthcare facilities and services, especially in lower-middle-income countries. Economic constraints are a pervasive issue, as the high cost of cataract surgery prevents many from seeking timely medical intervention. […] This scoping review reveals a significant prevalence of cataracts among older adults in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), ranging from 3.9% to 62.5% across different countries. Surgery remains the primary management strategy, but cataract surgical coverage varies widely, from 12.1% to 96%. The number of surgeries needed per million population ranges from 1800 in Rwanda to 4500 in Mali.
  • #50 Prevalence and management of cataracts among older adults in Sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review | BMC Ophthalmology | Full Text
    https://bmcophthalmol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12886-024-03701-5
    The effective management and treatment of cataracts in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) face several significant barriers. Lack of awareness is a common issue, as many individuals, particularly in rural areas, are not informed about cataracts or the available treatment options. Limited access to healthcare is another critical barrier, with scarce healthcare facilities and services, especially in lower-middle-income countries. Economic constraints are a pervasive issue, as the high cost of cataract surgery prevents many from seeking timely medical intervention. […] This scoping review reveals a significant prevalence of cataracts among older adults in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), ranging from 3.9% to 62.5% across different countries. Surgery remains the primary management strategy, but cataract surgical coverage varies widely, from 12.1% to 96%. The number of surgeries needed per million population ranges from 1800 in Rwanda to 4500 in Mali.
  • #51 Global, regional, national burden and gender disparity of cataract: findings from the global burden of disease study 2019 | BMC Public Health | Full Text
    https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-022-14491-0
    The impact of cataracts on visual loss, especially in an elderly population, exacerbates the risk of dementia, increases the likelihood of falls and road traffic crashes, can markedly affect the quality of an individual’s life and ultimately leads to higher mortality. […] Gender inequality in the global burden of cataracts has persisted from 1990 to 2019 and has even gradually increased over the decades. […] The gender inequality observed in the South-East Asia region was greater than that in the other WHO regions, with the highest both age-standardized rates of DALY and prevalence. […] Gender inequality in the burden of cataracts had persisted since 1990, and the inequality remained with aging among different stages of vision impairments and regions with different levels of development. […] The aging of the population is outpacing the growth of the profession, cataract still reminds a global public health concern. […] Cataract-related health services should be strengthened for the older population, females, and people in lower SDI regions.
  • #52 Prevalence and management of cataracts among older adults in Sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review | BMC Ophthalmology | Full Text
    https://bmcophthalmol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12886-024-03701-5
    Cataract is a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness, mainly affecting older adults in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This scoping review aims to map evidence on the prevalence, contextual factors, and management strategies for cataracts among older adults in SSA. […] Cataract prevalence among older adults in SSA ranged from 13.5% to 62.5% across different countries. Surgery remains the primary management strategy, but cataract surgical coverage varies widely (12.1% to 96%). Significant barriers to effective management include lack of awareness, limited access to healthcare, economic constraints, gender disparities, and cultural misconceptions about cataract surgery. […] There is a significant burden of cataracts among older adults in SSA, with considerable variations in prevalence and surgical coverage across the region. Comprehensive strategies addressing awareness, accessibility, affordability, and cultural factors are needed to improve cataract management and reduce visual impairment in SSA.
  • #53 Cataract – adult: MedlinePlus Medical EncyclopediaLock
    https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001001.htm
    Cataracts develop slowly and painlessly. Vision in the affected eye slowly gets worse. […] By age 75, most people have cataracts that affect their vision. […] A standard eye exam and slit-lamp examination are used to diagnose cataracts. Other tests are rarely needed, except to check for other causes of poor vision. […] The only treatment for a cataract is surgery to remove it. If a cataract is not making it hard for you to see, surgery is usually not needed. Cataracts usually do not harm the eye, so you can have surgery when you and your eye doctor decide it is right for you. […] Early diagnosis and properly timed treatment are key to preventing permanent vision problems. […] The best prevention involves controlling diseases that increase the risk for a cataract. Avoiding exposure to things that promote cataract formation can also help.
  • #54 Cataracts – SEE InternationalSearchExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandToggle MenuExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandExpandToggle Menu CloseSearch
    https://www.seeintl.org/cataracts/
    Cataracts cause a third of worldwide blindness. […] According to the World Health Organization, cataracts affect approximately 65.2 million people and cause moderate to severe vision loss in over 80% cases. As populations age and average life expectancy continues to increase worldwide, the number of people with cataracts will continue to grow. […] Although mainly the result of aging, cataracts can affect anyone. Most people do not show symptoms of cataracts until at least the age of 40, cataracts can affect young adults and children. Hereditary, disease, eye injury, and smoking could cause cataracts to develop at an earlier age. […] You may be at risk for cataracts if you have certain health problems, like diabetes, smoke, drink too much alcohol, have a family history of cataracts, have had an eye injury, eye surgery, or radiation treatment on your upper body, have spent a lot of time in the sun, or take steroids. […] There is no way to completely prevent cataracts, however, there are a few steps you can take to lower your risk of cataracts. […] Both techniques are highly effective and can reliably restore the sight to people blinded by cataracts in almost every case.
  • #55 Explains cataracts, how they develop and treatment – Prevent Blindness
    https://preventblindness.org/cataract/
    Cataracts are a leading cause of blindness among older adults in the United States. More than half of all Americans have cataracts by the time they are 80 years old. […] About one in six Americans age 40 and older will get a cataract. By age 80, more than half will have a cataract. […] The key to preventing vision loss is regular eye exams. If you are 65 or older, you should get a complete eye exam every one or two years, even if you have no problem seeing well.
  • #56 Correlation Between Sunlight Exposure Time and Cataract Prevalence in Korean Adults
    https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/22/10707
    WHO estimates that 20% of global blindness due to cataracts can be attributed to UV exposure. Avoiding direct sunlight during peak hours of UV-B has been suggested as a strong major preventive measure for cortical cataracts. […] In our study, we concluded that Korean adults are at risk of developing cataracts when the sunlight exposure time is more than 5 h. […] An analysis of cataract prevalence according to the sunlight exposure time showed that the majority of Korean adults had nuclear cataracts (67.8%), followed by cortical cataracts (27.1%), posterior subcapsular cataracts (1.6%), and anterior subcapsular cataracts (3.5%). […] The results showed that both the group exposed to sunlight for 2 to 5 h and the group exposed to sunlight for more than 5 h had a statistically significantly higher incidence of cataracts after the age of 45 compared to before the age of 45.
  • #57 Cataracts Information | Mount Sinai – New York
    https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/report/cataracts
    Nearly everyone who lives long enough will develop cataracts to some extent. Some people develop cataracts during their middle-aged years (40s and 50s), but these cataracts tend to be very small. It is after age 60 that cataracts are most likely to affect vision. Nearly one half of people age 75 and older have cataracts. […] Certain medical conditions and treatments increase the risk for cataracts: Diabetes (type 1 or type 2) poses a very high risk for cataracts and the likelihood of developing them at a younger age. Cataract development is significantly related to high levels of blood sugar (hyperglycemia). […] Excessive exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight increases the risk for cataracts. The risk may be highest among those who have significant sun exposure at a young age. […] Smoking a pack of cigarettes every day doubles the risk of developing cataracts. […] Cataracts in the Second Eye […] In general, surgery for a second cataract is usually performed at least 1 to 2 weeks after surgery for the first eye.
  • #58 Cataracts Information | Mount Sinai – New York
    https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/report/cataracts
    Nearly everyone who lives long enough will develop cataracts to some extent. Some people develop cataracts during their middle-aged years (40s and 50s), but these cataracts tend to be very small. It is after age 60 that cataracts are most likely to affect vision. Nearly one half of people age 75 and older have cataracts. […] Certain medical conditions and treatments increase the risk for cataracts: Diabetes (type 1 or type 2) poses a very high risk for cataracts and the likelihood of developing them at a younger age. Cataract development is significantly related to high levels of blood sugar (hyperglycemia). […] Excessive exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight increases the risk for cataracts. The risk may be highest among those who have significant sun exposure at a young age. […] Smoking a pack of cigarettes every day doubles the risk of developing cataracts. […] Cataracts in the Second Eye […] In general, surgery for a second cataract is usually performed at least 1 to 2 weeks after surgery for the first eye.
  • #59 Can Nutrition Stop Cataracts? – Optometrists.org
    https://www.optometrists.org/general-practice-optometry/guide-to-eye-conditions/guide-to-cataracts/can-nutrition-stop-cataracts/
    More than half of all adults over 70 have cataracts or have undergone cataract surgery to remove them. […] Cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss and blindness in the world. […] Unhealthy foods and beverages have been related to a higher incidence of cataracts, even in children. […] According to several studies, several foods and nutritional supplements appear to slow the progression of cataracts.
  • #60 Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Causes, Morphology, and Visual Effects of Cataract | Ento Key
    https://entokey.com/epidemiology-pathophysiology-causes-morphology-and-visual-effects-of-cataract/
    Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in middle- and low-income countries, accounting for 50% of blindness but cause 5% of blindness in developed countries. […] The cataract prevalence is influenced by the Cataract Surgical Rate (CSR or number of cataract surgeries performed per million people per year), which varies from less than 200 to over 6000 in different regions. […] So a high cataract prevalence rate in some developing countries is not for want of a clinical solution but partially due to ineffective implementation. […] To reduce cataract prevalence, the resource base (infrastructure, equipment, ophthalmologists, and other ophthalmic workers) must improve, as must management of the resources to build the right processes for maximal cost-effective resource utilization. Future solutions will have to address these challenges.
  • #61 EPIDEMIOLOGY
    https://www.aao.org/education/topic-detail/cataract–middle-eastnorth-africa
    According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cataract is the leading cause of blindness and visual impairment in the world (47.9%). […] The overall prevalence of visual loss as a result of cataract increases each year as the worlds population ages. […] In 2002, cataract caused reversible blindness in more than 17 million (47.8%) of the 37 million blind individuals worldwide; this figure is projected to reach 40 million by year 2020. […] Cataract accounts for 30%50% of blindness in most African and Asia countries. […] Cataracts occur earlier in life in developing countries and in rural areas, and the incidence is higher.
  • #62 Global and regional prevalence of age-related cataract: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7376226/
    The ASPPE of any cataract was 17.20%. […] The PPE of any cataract ranged between 3% in the 20- to 39-year age group and 54% in the over-60 age group. […] The ASPPE of any cataract was significantly different in the six geographical regions; the highest rate was 36.55% in the SEARO region, and the lowest prevalence was 9.08% in the AMRO region. […] The prevalence of cataract is higher in lesser-developed societies due to the low economic status, low literacy, high rate of outdoor activity, and less access to cataract surgery services. […] The results indicated that there was no publication bias for any cataract, nuclear cataract, or cortical cataract, and significant publication bias was only observed for PSC cataract. […] From the public health point of view, cataract is still a global challenge, especially in Western Pacific countries.
  • #63 Prevalence and management of cataracts among older adults in Sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review | BMC Ophthalmology | Full Text
    https://bmcophthalmol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12886-024-03701-5
    The effective management and treatment of cataracts in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) face several significant barriers. Lack of awareness is a common issue, as many individuals, particularly in rural areas, are not informed about cataracts or the available treatment options. Limited access to healthcare is another critical barrier, with scarce healthcare facilities and services, especially in lower-middle-income countries. Economic constraints are a pervasive issue, as the high cost of cataract surgery prevents many from seeking timely medical intervention. […] This scoping review reveals a significant prevalence of cataracts among older adults in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), ranging from 3.9% to 62.5% across different countries. Surgery remains the primary management strategy, but cataract surgical coverage varies widely, from 12.1% to 96%. The number of surgeries needed per million population ranges from 1800 in Rwanda to 4500 in Mali.
  • #64 Global and regional prevalence of age-related cataract: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7376226/
    The ASPPE of any cataract was 17.20%. […] The PPE of any cataract ranged between 3% in the 20- to 39-year age group and 54% in the over-60 age group. […] The ASPPE of any cataract was significantly different in the six geographical regions; the highest rate was 36.55% in the SEARO region, and the lowest prevalence was 9.08% in the AMRO region. […] The prevalence of cataract is higher in lesser-developed societies due to the low economic status, low literacy, high rate of outdoor activity, and less access to cataract surgery services. […] The results indicated that there was no publication bias for any cataract, nuclear cataract, or cortical cataract, and significant publication bias was only observed for PSC cataract. […] From the public health point of view, cataract is still a global challenge, especially in Western Pacific countries.
  • #65 Global, regional, national burden and gender disparity of cataract: findings from the global burden of disease study 2019 | BMC Public Health | Full Text
    https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-022-14491-0
    To evaluate the global burden of cataracts by year, age, region, gender, and socioeconomic status using disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and prevalence from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2019. […] From 1990 to 2019, global DALY numbers caused by cataracts rose by 91.2%, crude rates increased by 32.2%, while age-standardized rates fell by 11.0%. […] Gender disparity has existed since 1990, with the female being more heavily impacted. […] The global health of cataracts is improving but the steady growth in crude DALY rates suggested that health progress does not mean fewer demands for cataracts. […] Globally, older age, females, and lower socioeconomic status are associated with higher cataract burden. […] The prevalence of cataracts increases with age, ranging from 3.9% among 5564years to 92.6% among those 80years and older.
  • #66 Global, regional, national burden and gender disparity of cataract: findings from the global burden of disease study 2019 | BMC Public Health | Full Text
    https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-022-14491-0
    The impact of cataracts on visual loss, especially in an elderly population, exacerbates the risk of dementia, increases the likelihood of falls and road traffic crashes, can markedly affect the quality of an individual’s life and ultimately leads to higher mortality. […] Gender inequality in the global burden of cataracts has persisted from 1990 to 2019 and has even gradually increased over the decades. […] The gender inequality observed in the South-East Asia region was greater than that in the other WHO regions, with the highest both age-standardized rates of DALY and prevalence. […] Gender inequality in the burden of cataracts had persisted since 1990, and the inequality remained with aging among different stages of vision impairments and regions with different levels of development. […] The aging of the population is outpacing the growth of the profession, cataract still reminds a global public health concern. […] Cataract-related health services should be strengthened for the older population, females, and people in lower SDI regions.
  • #67 JMIR Public Health and Surveillance – Changing Trends in the Global Burden of Cataract Over the Past 30 Years: Retrospective Data Analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
    https://publichealth.jmir.org/2023/1/e47349
    Cataracts now account for the largest proportion of the global burden of blindness and vision loss. Understanding the changing trends in the global burden of cataracts over the past 30 years and the next 15 years is of clear significance for the prevention and control of cataracts in key populations. As far as we know, research on the future burden of cataracts is lacking. This study aims to assess the global burden of cataracts over the past 30 years by using age-period-cohort modeling and to estimate trends in the next 15 years. Globally, the number of DALYs due to cataract increased from 3,492,604 in 1990 to 6,676,281 in 2019. The prediction model suggested that the number of DALYs due to cataract will continue to rise globally, while the cataract DALY rate will continue to decrease. While the ASDR of cataracts has decreased, there has been a notable increase in the number of DALYs over the past 30 years. Projections suggest that the global burden of cataracts will continue to rise over the next 15 years. Age, female sex, air pollution, smoking, high fasting plasma glucose levels, and a high body mass index were risk factors for the burden of cataracts. Higher DALY rates were also associated with lower SDI, lower HDI, national PM2.5 concentration, and ambient UVR levels. The ASDRs of cataracts varied significantly between regions and nations and were lower in high-income regions and countries, while SDI and HDI were negatively correlated with cataract ASDR. The results of this study may have implications for public health, as cataracts are susceptible to air pollution, smoking, high fasting plasma glucose, and high BMI, and increased health awareness may be a cost-effective intervention to prevent blindness in patients with cataract. Over the past 3 decades, the global burden of cataract has increased, as evidenced by the increasing number of DALYs. Effective resource allocation and health-service planning will be essential in managing the anticipated increase in the global burden of cataract in the next 15 years. […] We predicted that, due to population growth and aging, the DALYs due to cataracts for both sexes are expected to continue to increase over the next 15 years.
  • #68 Prevalence and management of cataracts among older adults in Sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review | BMC Ophthalmology | Full Text
    https://bmcophthalmol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12886-024-03701-5
    The findings highlight the importance of comprehensive strategies that address awareness, accessibility, affordability, and cultural factors, as well as the potential for tailored interventions to address regional disparities and gender-specific approaches to improve surgical uptake among females in SSA.
  • #69 Global and regional prevalence of age-related cataract: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7376226/
    The aim of our study was to estimate regional and global cataract prevalence, its prevalence in different age groups, and the determinants of heterogeneity and its prevalence. […] In general, the prevalence of cataract not only varies by region but also by age group, and most cases are over the age of 60 years. […] Knowledge of cataract prevalence can offer information on the extent and burden of the disease, be used for planning and providing the infrastructure for disease control, and shed light on the natural evolution of the disease. […] The minimum and maximum reported prevalence was 1% in the 2039-years age group and 88.17% in the over-60 age group for any cataract, 0.99% in the under-40 age group and 61.75% in the over-60 age group for cortical cataract, 0.08% in the 2039-years age group, and 66.96% in the over-60 age group for nuclear cataract, and 0.16% in the 2039-years age group and 38.79% in the over-60 age groups for PSC cataract.
  • #70 Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Impact of Undiagnosed Visually Significant Cataract: The Singapore Epidemiology of Eye Diseases Study | PLOS One
    https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0170804
    In conclusion, we found that two-thirds of Singaporean adults with visually significant cataract were undiagnosed. Half of which were affected by bilateral visual impairment, resulting in a significant functional decline. These data highlight the importance of public health strategies targeting elderly patients, such as regular screening for visual impairment and timely referral to ophthalmologists.