Abstract
The impact of urbanization on cataract incidence is still inconclusive. This study aimed to examine the association of urbanization and sunlight exposure with cataract incidence using a nationwide population-based database in Taiwan. The researchers used data retrieved from the Taiwan Longitudinal Health Insurance Database from 2001 to 2010 (LHID2010). The LHID2010 consists of medical claims data for reimbursement for 1 million individuals randomly selected from all enrollees (N = 23.25 million) in the Taiwan National Health Insurance (NHI) program in 2010. For adults aged over 40, we identified a total of 3080 people diagnosed with senile cataracts (ICD-9:360) and 393,241 people without senile cataracts in the LHID2010. In addition, sunlight exposure data between 2001 and 2011 were obtained from 28 meteorological stations of the Taiwan Central Weather Bureau. Logistic regression was performed to test the hypothesis. When controlled for the confounding factors, such as demographic factors, comorbidities, and sunlight exposure, the logistic regression results showed that those living in highly urbanized areas are more likely to suffer from senile cataracts (p < 0.001).
Highlights
IntroductionCataract is a very common eye disease among older adults, which seriously impairs their quality of life
Introduction and Francesca FragliassoCataract is a very common eye disease among older adults, which seriously impairs their quality of life
Statisticians have confirmed that there is no significant difference in age, gender, or healthcare costs from the entire population, which consists of all beneficiaries under the National Health Insurance (NHI) program
Summary
Cataract is a very common eye disease among older adults, which seriously impairs their quality of life. From 2005 to 2014, evidence from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) showed that cataract is the leading cause of blindness and the second cause of moderate and severe vision impairment [1]. In 2010, according to GBD and World Health Organization (WHO) data, cataracts accounted for 33% and 48% of global visual impairment, respectively [2]. In 2010, the GBD showed that the number of cataract blind people is 10.8 million Data from the WHO has estimated that this number will increase to 40 million in 2025 due to the aging populations with greater life expectancies [2]. Studies of the factors associated with cataracts are critical
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
