Abstract
ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of cataract surgery and factors associated with post-surgical visual outcomes in migrant Indians living in Singapore.Research Design and MethodsWe conducted a population-based study in 3,400 Indian immigrants residing in Singapore−the Singapore Indian Eye Study (SINDI). All participants underwent comprehensive medical eye examination and a standardized interview. Post-operative visual impairment (VI) was defined as best-corrected or presenting visual acuity (BCVA or PVA) of 20/60 or worse.ResultsThe age- and gender-standardized prevalence of cataract surgery was 9.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.9%, 10.7%) in Singapore resident Indians. Post-operative VI defined by BCVA occurred in 10.9% eyes (87/795). The main causes of post-operative VI were diabetic retinopathy (20.7%), posterior capsular opacification (18.4%), and age-related macular degeneration (12.6%). Undercorrected refractive error doubled the prevalence of post-operative VI when PVA was used.ConclusionsThe rate of cataract surgery is about 10% in Indian residents in Singapore. Socioeconomic variables and migration had no significant impact on the prevalence of cataract surgery. Diabetic retinopathy was a major cause of post-operative VI in migrant Indians living in Singapore. Uncorrected postoperative refractive error remains an efficient way to improve vision.
Highlights
Post-operative visual impairment (VI) defined by best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) occurred in 10.9% eyes (87/795)
Socioeconomic variables and migration had no significant impact on the prevalence of cataract surgery
Diabetic retinopathy was a major cause of postoperative VI in migrant Indians living in Singapore
Summary
Cataract is the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness worldwide, accounting for more than 50% of the blindness cases [1], [2]. Driven by an increase in aged population and increasing demand for good vision, the number of persons who need cataract surgery is expected to rise worldwide. Patients who undergo cataract surgery usually experience a significant improvement in visual functioning and quality of life [3,4,5]. Many patients with cataract who live in middle and low income regions, especially in Asia, still have limited access to cataract surgery service. The major barriers to cataract surgery include cost [6], lack of knowledge about cataract [6,7,8], lack of transport and/or felt need [6], [8]
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