Number Of Cataract Surgeries Research Articles

Refractive surgical corrective options after cataract surgery

Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries among the elderly today. The volume of cataract surgeries has dramatically increased in the past few decades due to technological advancements leading to decreased morbidity, better overall outcomes, and increased expectation for correction of refractive error and spectacle independence after cataract surgery. The number of cataract surgeries is expected to continue to rise with the increase of the elderly population. Thus, accurate predictions of intraocular lens (IOL) power and the ability to correct for any postoperative refractive errors are critical. Despite the improved ability of cataract surgeons to accurately calculate IOL power, postoperative refractive errors still do occur due to various reasons such as imperfect preoperative measurements, toric-lens misalignment, and existing or surgically-induced astigmatism. The aim of this article is to review the various surgical options, including intraocular and corneal refractive surgical approaches, to correct post-operative refractive errors after cataract surgery.

SMEC eye care system: Profile and its role in eliminating avoidable blindness in Indonesia

Untreated cataract remains the leading cause of avoidable blindness in Indonesia, as it pointed out 1.9% prevalence of the total population, with incidence of 0.1% and the backlog between 320,000 and 350,000 cases per year. It is reported that 51.6% of people do not know if they suffer from cataracts, 11.6% because they cannot afford it, and 8.1% due to fear of surgery. SMEC eye care system was established with a model similar to Aravind’s to increase the number of cataract surgeries with high volume, high quality, affordable, and accessible cataract surgery, combined with well-designed outreach programs to increase demand. The results are that there are 29 branches of eye hospitals and eye clinics from west to east region of Indonesia, with a total of 58,000 cataract surgeries per year. SMEC also collaborates with private and public hospitals to develop their eye clinics to reach out to more people with blindness. Although with a high volume of cataract surgeries, SMEC only contributed cataract surgical rate of 225, as compared to the national target of 2000, which means that only 11% of total untreated cataract were cured by SMEC. At this rate, SMEC, along with the government and ophthalmologists in Indonesia, still has a lot of homework to do to give more hope to people with blindness.

Analysis on ophthalmic human resource allocation and service delivery at county level in Mainland China in 2014

Objective: To master the status of ophthalmic human resource allocation and service delivery at county level in Mainland China, and to provide the basis for strengthening the construction of grassroots ophthalmic personnel team and formulating feasible medium and long-term eye health plans. Methods: All the medical institutions that provided ophthalmic service at county level or above were investigated by online reporting. This study only included medical institutions at county level. Descriptive statistics were used. Results: Three thousand three hundred and fifty-nine medical institutions were included, of which 1 463 hospitals had independent departments of ophthalmology (43.55%). Each medical institution has 3.93 ophthalmologists, 4.59 ophthalmic nurses, 0.30 full-time optometrist and 0.21 full-time optician. Ophthalmologists are mainly undergraduate, and the ratio of senior, intermediate and junior titles is 1.0∶1.7∶1.9. The ophthalmic nurses are mainly graduated from junior colleges or secondary schools, and the ratio of senior, intermediate and junior titles is 1.0∶7.3∶22.3. There were statistically differences in the distribution of job titles of ophthalmologists (χ(2)=106.21, P<0.01) and nurses (χ(2)=128.54, P<0.01) in the eastern, central and western regions. Of each ophthalmologist, the annual number of outpatient, outpatient surgery, inpatient and inpatient operation was 2 377.62, 109.79, 124.03, and 85.97 respectively. Four thousand one hundred and sixty ophthalmologists were able to carry out cataract surgeries independently, accounting for 31.50% of all ophthalmologists. The quantity for annual per capita cataract operation among ophthalmologists who can perform cataract surgery independently was 181.81 per capita. The average beds rate of utilization was 68.91%, and that was less than 60% in 52.99% of medical institutions. Conclusions: Compared with 1998, ophthalmic health personnel at county level in Mainland China has expanded rapidly. But cataract ability of ophthalmologists and the number of cataract surgeries still need to be improved. The structure of ophthalmic nursing staff is irrational. The full-time optometrists and opticians are extremely scarce. It is necessary to cultivate high-quality ophthalmic health personnel and improve beds rate of utilization at county level. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54:929-934).

Effect of femtosecond laser on efficiency of cataract surgery in public setting

ObjectiveTo determine the time needed to perform a femtosecond laser–assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) and its effect on the efficiency of cataract surgery flow in a Canadian public health centre. DesignRetrospective chart review. ParticipantsPatients who had cataract surgery performed in the first 3 months of femtosecond laser (FSL) technology use were compared with patients who had conventional phacoemulsification in the 3 months before FSL installation at Brandon Regional Health Centre (Brandon, Man.). MethodsThe primary outcome measure was the time needed to complete FLACS versus the time needed to complete conventional phacoemulsification. Secondary outcome measures were the time the patient spent in the operating room (time in and time out) and the number of cataract surgeries done per surgical day before and after FSL was implemented systemwide. ResultsThere were 235 FSL cases and 199 conventional cases. Operating room time, total surgery time, and manual time were significantly longer in patients who underwent FLACS compared with patients who underwent conventional phacoemulsification (p < 0.001). Manual times and FSL suction times on the first day of implementing FLACS surgery were significantly longer than those on day 23 (p < 0.03), which suggests a learning curve effect. The number of cases per surgical day dropped by 28.6% in the first operative day and by 7.1% in the second and third operative days of FSL use, then reverted to pre-FSL levels. ConclusionThe addition of FLACS results in longer time per case than traditional cataract surgery. Although statistically significant, the results may not be indicative of practical differences.

Impact of systematic capacity building on cataract surgical service development in 25 hospitals

BackgroundThis study measured the effectiveness and cost of a capacity building intervention in 25 eye hospitals in South Asia, East Africa and Latin America over 4 years. The intervention involved eye care non-governmental organizations or high-performing eye hospitals acting as “mentors” to underperforming eye hospitals- “mentees” in 10 countries. Intervention activities included systematic planning and support for training and key equipment purchases as well as hospital-specific mentoring which focused on strengthening leadership, increasing the volume and equity of community outreach, improving surgical quality and volume, strengthening organizational and financial management and streamlining operational processes.MethodsThis is a before and after observational study of the impact of this multi-dimensional process on hospital and individual productivity and financial sustainability after 4 years. Mentee hospitals reported data monthly using a standardized template. Key indicators included cataract surgery volume, cataract operations per surgeon, the proportion of direct paying cataract surgical patients, intervention program costs per additional surgery and cost per mentor.ResultsBy the end of the study period, the hospitals experienced a 69% average increase (range: −63% to 690%) in cataract surgical volume over baseline with 12 hospitals showing increases over 100%. Twenty-three hospitals experienced a 59% average increase in the number of cataract surgeries per surgeon with 10 hospitals showing increases over 100%. The proportion of paying patients increased in 8 of the 14 hospitals reporting this data. The average mentoring cost per additional surgery for these 25 hospitals was $5.39. An average of $36,489.99 was spent per mentor per year to support their work with mentees.ConclusionsThe intervention resulted in proportionally similar increases in cataract surgical volume and productivity across diverse settings in three distinct geographic regions. Its wide applicability and moderate cost make it an attractive means to rapidly and substantially increase eye care services to meet VISION2020 goals.

Optimizing the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

Surgical approaches for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) have evolved rapidly in the past century. This has resulted in an increase in the anatomical success rate from zero per cent in the beginning of the 1900s to now almost 100 per cent. Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment is regarded as an acute eye disease that needs immediate treatment. With the increasing number of cataract surgeries and an increased elderly population, the numbers of RRD occurrences are increasing. The aim of this thesis is to create knowledge on how treatment and care of RRD patients can be optimized. In the first paper, data on the incidence of RRD in Denmark are presented based on data from a nation register the National Patient Registry (NPR). It was discovered that the incidence of RRD in Denmark is similar to previous reported numbers and that the incidence has been increasing due to increasing numbers of cataract surgeries and an increased elderly population. Using data from the NPR, we estimated that the risk of a RRD occurring on the fellow eye is 100 times larger than on the first eye and that middle aged men have the highest risk. Having an increase in the incidence of RRD we need to ensure that the patients are also treated in the most optimal way. To ensure this, an indicator is needed to monitor the quality at the different centres. This indicator presented in the second paper is based in the occurrence of redetachment. We define a detachment to be caused by poor surgery if the retina detaches within one year after initial surgery with pneumatic retinopexy, scleral buckling and VTX with gas, and one and a half years after surgery with VTX with oil. Also lack of oil removal within the first year is a failed operation. It is widely accepted that RRD is an acute disease but when should surgery be performed to attain the most optimal result? In the third paper, we evaluated the progression of posterior RRD with an optical coherence tomography to make an objective assessment of the movement. We found that the risk of a macula on RRD progressing to affect the fovea is small if the patient is postured appropriately. We found that the movement of the RRD is dynamic but the detachments will ultimately approach the fovea. Having an opportunity to postpone surgery without risking the outcome for the patient allows a more optimal surgery. The results of this thesis can be used by all health care systems to establish optimal conditions in the treatment of RRD.

Wait times and volume of cataract surgery in Ontario: 2000—2012

ObjectiveTo review cataract surgery trends and wait times in Ontario. DesignRetrospective analysis of health records. MethodsOntario Health Insurance Plan billing service claims between 2000 and 2012 were analyzed for the yearly number of cataract surgeries, alone and in combination with other procedures. The number of Ontarians with cataracts was estimated by applying composite prevalence curves derived from published population data. This was then used to calculate the yearly number of procedures per 1000 Ontarians with cataracts. ResultsPer 1000 people with cataract, the rate of cataract extraction increased 18.9% overall from 2000 to 2012, increasing by 38.3% from 2000 to 2006 and decreasing by 14.6% from 2006 to 2012. Mean wait times for cataract surgery decreased by 45.8% from 2006 to 2009 and increased 28.5% from 2009 to 2013. The proportion of surgeries that were same-day bilateral cataract extraction increased 2.21-fold from 2000 to 2012 but represented only 0.82% of total cataract surgeries in 2012. In 2000, 3% of cataract surgeries were combined with other procedures, and this decreased to 1.8% in 2012. Of these combinations, the rates of combined glaucoma filtration procedures decreased by 44.3%, anterior vitrectomy decreased by 32.5%, posterior vitrectomy increased by 58.3%, and corneal transplantation decreased by 10.7% during this time period. ConclusionsThe yearly rate of cataract surgery has decreased since 2006, and wait times have increased from 2009. Same-day bilateral cataract extraction represented less than 1% of the total cataract surgical volume. Rates of cataract combined with posterior vitrectomy have increased (58%), whereas anterior vitrectomy at the time of cataract surgery decreased (33%).

Complications of Cataract Surgery in Iran: Trend from 2006 to 2010

ABSTRACTPurpose: To determine intraoperative complications of cataract surgery over the period 2006 to 2010.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 106 of 272 cataract surgical centers in Iran were selected through multistage random cluster sampling from all provinces. In each province, the selected number of centers was proportionate to the number of cataract surgeries, and in each center, the selected number of charts was proportionate to the center’s number of cataract surgeries, from which we retrieved intraoperative complications.Results: The prevalence of intraoperative complications of cataract surgery was 5.04% (95% confidence interval, CI, 3.53–6.54%) in 2006, which decreased significantly to 3.44% (95% CI 1.84–5.04%) in 2010. The most common complication was posterior capsular rupture/vitreous loss which decreased from 4.29% (95% CI 2.93–5.66%) in 2006 to 2.81% (95% CI 1.3–4.31%) in 2010. The next most common complication was suprachoroidal hemorrhage at 0.56% (95% CI 0.25–0.87%) in 2006 and 0.46% (95% CI 0.3–0.62%) in 2010. The least common complication concerned intraocular lens (IOL)-drop. Complications were seen most with lensectomy, while phacoemulsification caused the least complications. Mean hospitalization time in uncomplicated cases was 0.59 days (95% CI 0.58–0.61 days) and in complicated cases 1.14 days (95% CI 1.07–1.20 days; p < 0.001).Conclusion: Complications of cataract surgery in Iran had a decreasing trend during 2006–2010. However, results from 2010 indicate that cataract surgical complications still need to be focused on. Hospitalization was longer for cases with complications, and further reducing this could help decrease costs of cataract surgery.

Prevention and control of nosocomial infection from the large number of cataract surgery at Lifeline Express

Objective To investigate the prevention measure of infections from the large number of cataract surgery at the Life-line Express. Methods From September to November 2013, a total of 1 069 cases (1 070 eyes) completed cataract surgery in Songyuan City of Jilin Province. A series of peri-operative prevention measures for nosocomial infection were established and implemented according to the characteristics of cataract surgery carried out in Life-line Express and local environment. Results The measures to prevent the nosocomial infection were fulfilled quite well, 1 069 patients had received cataract surgery successfully, no case occurred entophthalmia. Conclusions Effective prevention of the nosocomial infection can be achieved through establishing a sound system and measures, which can ensure the effect of surgery. Key words: Cataract; Cross infection; Life-line express; Prevention measures

The Influence of Intravitreal Injections on Outpatient Cataract Operations in Germany

The number of outpatient operations in Germany is not registered in a centralised manner. To estimate the development of the outpatient intraocular surgery especially since the implementation of the intravitreal injections, surveys among ophthalmic surgeons were analysed. Between 2006 and 2013 surveys were done among ophthalmic surgeons in Germany using questionnaires. An average of 318 completed questionnaires were sent back. The mean participation ratio was 37 %. Between 2006 and 2013 an extrapolated mean of 347 564 cataract operations and 139 946 intravitreal injections were reported. Whereas the number of cataract operations was constant in the observation period, the number of injections increased considerably from 35 135 in 2006 to 274 714 in 2013. A saturation in the development of the numbers of the intravitreal injections could not yet be observed. Other outpatient operations, especially cataract procedures were not replaced by the increase of the injections in the recent years.

Improvement in the postoperative visual outcome following cataract surgeries by reducing the average residual spherical error

Background and Context: Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in healthcare was conceived as a national demonstration project by Quality Council of India to launch and manage their continuous quality improvement programs. Aims and Objectives: To explore the potential benefits of applying LSS principles in the clinical domain to enhance patient satisfaction and as a clinical performance indicator. Materials and Methods: Through the supplier, inputs, process, outputs and customers (SIPOC) were identified. On the supplier side there were surgical coordinators, surgeon, optometrists and medical store. Input and process are important in that patient selects lens based on an estimate, intra ocular lens and refraction as analyzed by an optometrist. The define, measure, analyze, improve and control (DMAIC) cycle was used in taking the project further. Results: The residual refractive error was reduced from 0.35D to 0.33D and eventually to 0.25D (3 sigma). Project helped the hospital in terms of tangible and intangible benefits. Number of cataract surgeries surged by 17.75%, giving rise to an increase in financial accrual from rupees 11.5 Cr to 13.5 Cr. Conclusion: A control plan was deployed through visual display of the process flow in out-patient department and monthly review of visual outcomes during clinical audit using average, standard deviation and sigma presented as key performance indicators, to ensure no drift in performance post the closure of the project.

Comparison of 2007–2012 Korean trends in laser peripheral iridotomy and cataract surgery rates

To investigate the association between the trends in the rates of laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) for primary angle closure (PAC) or primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) and cataract surgery in Korea. Acute or subacute PAC(G) patients (251,769) along with patients who had undergone LPI (20,632) or cataract surgery (1,163,729) between 2007 and 2012 were included. The LPI rate was defined as the number of LPI cases per 100 PAC(G) patients by quarter; the cataract surgery rate was defined as the number of cataract surgeries per 100,000 population by quarter. The number of acute or subacute PAC(G) patients per 100,000 population showed a gradual increase, specifically from 45.63 in the first quarter of 2007 to 49.56 in the second quarter of 2012. The LPI rate manifested a slow decline, from 9.59 to 7.94, and the cataract surgery rate showed a sharp rise, from 260.75 to 387.53, over the same period. In other words, a negative correlation tendency between the two rate trends (r = -0.244, P = 0.273) was revealed. With respect to age, significant negative correlations were observed in the 40-49 (r = -0.488, P = 0.021) and ≥ 70 (r = -0.450, P = 0.036) groups. The respective trends in the LPI and cataract surgery rates showed a negative correlation. Although other possible explanations might exist, this result supports the hypothesis that cataract surgery contributes to a reduction in the incidence of LPI in PAC(G) patients.

Prevalence of second-eye cataract surgery and time interval after first-eye surgery in Iran: A clinic-based study

Purpose:To determine the prevalence of second-eye senile cataract surgery (SECS) as a proportion of all senile cataract surgeries and the trend in the interval between first and second cataract operations in a main referral and academic eye hospital.Materials and Methods:In this cross-sectional study, a list of patients who underwent senile cataract surgery over four consecutive years (2006-2009) was retrieved from hospital computer-based records as the sampling frame. With a systematic random method, 15% of records were selected (1,585 out of 10,517 records).Results:First- and second-eye operations were performed in 1,139 (71.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 69.5-74.1) and 446 eyes (28.1%; 95% CI, 25.9-30.35), respectively. The proportion of SECS procedures increased from 24.3% in 2006 to 33.4% in 2009 (P = 0.017). The median (interquartile range) interval between the two operations was 9 (4-24) months, which remained stable during the study period. The SECS rate was 10.4% higher (P = 0.01) and the time interval was 13 months shorter (P = 0.007) in patients who underwent phacoemulsification than extracapsular cataract extraction.Conclusion:The number of cataract operations in this tertiary eye care setting increased 1.5 fold over the study period. The proportion of second-eye operations also rose from 1/4 to 1/3 during the same time.

Variation in Cataract Surgery Needs in Latin America

OBJECTIVE To estimate and compare the incidence of operable cataract and the desired cataract surgery rates required to eliminate cataract-related visual impairment in several Latin American settings. METHODS We obtained raw data on age-specific cataract prevalence from standardized population-based surveys. We used the data in a previously described model to estimate the incidence of operable cataract at 11 sites in 10 countries across Latin America. Age-specific incidence rates were then multiplied by corresponding population data to calculate the desired cataract surgery rates needed to eliminate cataract-related visual impairment in eyes in each country. Age-standardized incidence was also calculated to explore potential non-age-related differences in incidence among the countries. RESULTS The desired cataract surgery rates ranged from 3441 to 8935 in the 11 sites. Much of the variation was owing to differing age structures, but there may be important variation in age-specific incidence rates as well. CONCLUSIONS Age structure has a major effect on the number of cataract surgeries needed in different countries of Latin America, and it is essential to consider this when planning cataract surgical services. Potential differences in non-age-related risk factors for cataract among different populations also deserve further study.

Poor cataract surgical output: Eye care workers perspective in north central Nigeria

Cataract remains a disease of priority being the leading cause of blindness globally. Although surgically curable, cataract surgical output has remained low in Nigeria, Kwara state inclusive. A study was carried out to investigate the perception of eye care workers (ECW) on low surgical output and their adjudged reasons; this has hitherto not being evaluated. A cross-sectional quantitative survey with the aid of pretested structured questionnaire of all ECW and qualitative survey using in-depth interview on selected workers in Kwara State, Nigeria was done. A total of 142 out of the 157 ECWs (90.5%) working in the 14 surgical eye centers in the state were interviewed with a mean age of 40.37 years, SD ± 8.67. There were 94 (66.2%) females, with a female to male ratio of 2:1. 91 (64.1%) participants were of the opinion that the numbers of cataract surgeries in the state were inadequate. Hospital-based and human resource efficiency-related issues such as long clinic waiting time, multiple paying and procedural sites, poor staff mix, and gaps in available human resource were the major reasons given for low cataract output. Others reasons were high cost and fear of surgery, distance of eye clinics from patients. Regular operational researches, proper deployment, and efficient use of human and material resources in addition to subsidized cost and appropriate health education to allay fear of surgery are steps that could enhance cataract surgical output.

The long-term anatomical and visual effect of intravitreal triamcinolone injection during vitrectomy for the treatment of idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane

Purpose: To compare the long-term anatomical and visual outcomes of patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) removed by vitrectomy and membrane peeling with or without the use of intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA).Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed. Subjects who underwent vitrectomy and who were followed over 12 months were included. The study included two groups of patients. In group 1 (71 eyes), the patients underwent vitrectomy and membrane peeling without the use of IVTA. In group 2 (27 eyes), 2 mg of IVTA was given at the end of the surgery. The main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT) determined by optical coherence tomography (OCT), the number of cataract surgeries, and the use of anti-glaucomatous drugs during the follow-up period.Results: This study included 98 eyes with ERM from 98 patients. There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to age, gender, pre- and postoperative lens status, BCVA, CFT, or length of the follow-up period. The mean age for all of the patients was 62.45 ± 10.01 (mean ± SD) years, and the mean follow-up length was 20.58 ± 9.64 (mean ± SD) months. In all cases, the mean best-corrected logarithm of minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) acuity improved from a preoperative value of 0.91 ± 0.32 [Snellen equivalent (SE), 0.16 ± 0.14] to a postoperative value of 0.46 ± 0.36 (SE, 0.46 ± 0.29) (P < 0.0001). The CFT was reduced from a preoperative value of 473.46 ± 96.91 μm to a postoperative value of 302.44 ± 69.80 μm (P < 0.0001). Six patients (22.2%) in group 2 required anti-glaucomatous drugs to control intraocular pressure (IOP) during the follow-up period, and three patients (4.2%) in group 1 required drugs to control IOP (P = 0.012).Conclusions: The postoperative visual outcomes for patients with idiopathic ERM were favorable, but CFT did not return to a normal level, even in eyes in which 2 mg IVTA was used. The IVTA use after ERM removal produced no significant benefits during long-term follow-up, but IVTA did increase the risk of increased IOP.

Cataract Backlog and Output of Cataract Surgery in Plateau State, Nigeria

Background: To assess the output of cataract surgeries in Plateau state in terms of cataract surgical rate, and number of cataract surgeries per surgeon.Methodology: All cataract surgical centres in the state were visited. The operation register for the period of one year (1st April 2002 to 31st March 2003) were reviewed and the number of eyes operated for age-related cataract were determined. The number and position of all surgeons were compiled. All surgical eye camps during the study period were noted and the number of cataract operations performed and position of surgeons involved were compiled. Information on Plateau state population was obtained. Cataract surgical rate and the cataract surgeries per surgeon in the state were assessed.Result: The cataract surgical rate (CSR) for Plateau state for the period was 540 operations/million/year. The main providers of cataract surgical services were the tertiary center, Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) 404 eyes (26.9%), Church of Christ In Nigeria (COCIN) Hospital Mangu 336eyes (22.4%), and Evangelical Churches of West Africa (ECWA) Hospital 294 eyes (19.6%). A total of 660 e yes (43.9%) were operated in the 3 missionary hospitals. 164(11%) cataract surgeries were performed during eye camps. There were a total of 15 surgeons in the state. Our study revealed that the ophthalmic surgeon based in Plateau state performs an average of 104 cataract operations per year Conclusion: Cataract surgeries performed in the state annually (1502) is less than the incidence of cataract blindness in the state which is estimated at 2708. The present C SR is not enough to reduce the cataract backlog in the state. There is need to improve cataract services delivery in the state to reduce this backlog.

Cataract surgery rates in Ontario, Canada, from 1992 to 2004: more surgeries with fewer ophthalmologists.

To evaluate trends in cataract surgeries in Ontario between 1992 and 2004. A retrospective analysis of the number of cataract surgeries performed in Ontario from April 1992 to March 2005. The estimated prevalence of cataract and cataract surgeries per 1000 persons at risk was calculated. The number of cataract surgeries in Ontario increased from 44,943 in 1992 to 109,506 in 2004 (143.6%, 12.08% annual increase). The number of cataract surgeries per 1000 patients at risk of cataract increased from 64.6 in 1992 to 115.65 in 2004 (79%, 4.97% increase per year). This rate was strongly positively correlated with time and with the increase in the Ontario population (r = 0.920 and r = 0.922, respectively; p < 0.001). The number of ophthalmologists increased by 5.3% from 1992 to 1997 and then decreased by 2.9% by 2004. This change was not correlated with the cataract surgery rates (r = 0.475; p = 0.10). However, the number of ophthalmologists per million population decreased by 13.4% between 1992 and 2004. This number had a statistically negative correlation with cataract surgery rates (r = -0.757; p < 0.01). There has been a significant increase in the number of cataract surgeries in Ontario despite a decrease in the number of ophthalmologists per million population.

A 10-year population-based cohort analysis of cataract surgery rates in Ontario.

We studied the rates and distribution of cataract surgery throughout Ontario using population-based administrative data. We identified patients who had had cataract surgery performed between April 1, 1994, and March 31, 2005. We calculated crude cataract surgery rates, overall and regional adjusted rates per 100,000 residents aged 65 and over, and age- and sex-specific rates. The number of cataract surgeries performed on patients over 65 more than doubled, from 43,818 to 90,183, over the 10-year period and accounted for approximately 81% of all cataract surgeries in Ontario. Age- and sex-adjusted rates varied considerably among health administrative geographic regions. For 2004-2005, rates including all cataract surgeries ranged from 4272 to 6563 cataract surgeries per 100,000 residents aged 65 or older. There has been a significant increase in the number of cataract surgeries performed over the past decade in Ontario with considerable regional variation. Observed rates were higher than those reported for other countries.

Screening of cataract surgery in four rural populations aged 50 years old and above in western China

To estimate the cataract surgical coverage and cataract surgery rate and to assess the visual outcome of cataract surgery among individuals aged at or over 50 years old in four rural populations from four different areas of western China. This cross-sectional study, performed during the period 2003 - 2005, used the method of cluster sampling and recruited 5562 persons aged 50 years old or above through household census. Standardized ocular examinations including visual acuity test, intraocular pressure measurement, slit-lamp and fundus examination were performed. The main outcome criteria were cataract surgical coverage, cataract surgery rate, complication rate and visual outcome after cataract surgery. Of individuals with bilateral presenting visual acuity < 6/60 due to age-related cataract, the cataract surgical coverage was 54% in Qinghai. It was the highest among these four populations. The highest cataract surgery rate (CSR) value was 1551 in Qinghai and the lowest 143 in Guangxi during the period of 2000-2002. The overall intraocular lens implantation rate was 51.5% in 200 eyes with cataract surgery and 40.5% eyes with post-operative visual acuity < 6/60. The overall post-operative complication rate was 28%. In the beginning of 21st century, the cataract surgical coverage in four rural populations aged 50 years old or above in western China was low and similar to the situation of the last decade in eastern China. Cataract surgical technique and low IOL implantation rate are the main causes for a poor visual outcome. To reduce the risks of cataract blindness, the clinicians should substantially improve the visual outcome as well as the number of cataract surgery.