Prevalence Of Cataract Research Articles

Elevated Serum Levels of Osteopontin in Patients with Psoriasis: Is It Associated with Ocular Comorbidities?

Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting 2%-3% of the global population via immune-mediated mechanisms. Osteopontin plays a crucial role in T-helper 1 and T-helper 17-mediated illnesses, including psoriasis. Ocular complications in psoriasis have been reported and their assessment is of importance. Osteopontin is normally expressed constitutively in ocular structures and is linked to ocular homeostasis. Objective: This study aimed to clarify the role of osteopontin (OPN) in psoriasis (PS) and its correlation with disease severity and ocular manifestations. Methods: A case-control study involving 40 psoriatic patients and an equal number of age and sex-matched healthy subjects was conducted. We used the psoriasis area severity index (PASI) to assess disease severity and performed a comprehensive ophthalmological examination. Additionally, we measured serum osteopontin levels using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) in both groups. Results: A significant elevation in serum OPN levels in psoriatic patients compared to controls was found (P=0.00). Furthermore, there was a highly significant positive correlation between serum OPN levels and patient age, disease duration, and PASI scores. Notably, a higher prevalence of ocular complications, including blepharitis, corneal affection, conjunctivitis, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and cataract, in psoriatic patients compared to controls was observed. Importantly, significant associations between serum OPN levels and the presence of cataracts and intraocular pressure (IOP) were identified. Additionally, significant correlations between serum OPN levels and measures of visual acuity and ocular surface health were found. Conclusions: Osteopontin is considered a marker of psoriasis severity and is associated with ocular comorbidities in psoriasis.

The more smoking the more cataract: A study on smoking, snus use and cataract in a Swedish population.

To examine the prevalence of self-reported cataract and cataract surgery, and the incidence of cataract surgery, in relation to smoking and use of the moist smokeless tobacco product snus. In 2014/2015, individuals born in 1951 (n = 18 055) in the Västra Götaland County, Sweden, were invited to participate. Of these, 9743 (54%) accepted participation and 9316 (52%) remained after exclusion criteria were applied. Participants answered a questionnaire with items about eye conditions, smoking, snus, gender, education, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, corticosteroid use, diabetes mellitus, weight and height. Prevalence ratios (PRs) for self-reported cataract and cataract surgery were calculated. The incidence of cataract surgery was assessed, and hazard ratios (HRs) were presented. Having ever smoked was associated with a higher prevalence ratio of self-reported cataract (PR 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.35) and cataract surgery (PR 1.27, 95% CI 1.06-1.53), compared to those who had never been daily smokers. Currently, a smoker was associated with a higher HR of cataract surgery (HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.04-1.74), as well as having been a former smoker (HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.03-1.56). Total years of smoking were associated with an increased risk for cataract surgery (HR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02-1.08 for 5 years of smoking). Snus use was not associated with an increased prevalence of cataract or incidence of cataract surgery, except among women who were current snus users (HR for cataract surgery 2.04, 95% CI 1.16-3.60 n = 108). Smoking is associated with a higher prevalence of cataracts, and a higher incidence of cataract surgery, indicating a dose-response relationship. However, there was no firm association between snus use and cataract.

Oxidative Stress in Cataract Formation: Is There a Treatment Approach on the Horizon?

Cataracts, a leading cause of blindness worldwide, are closely linked to oxidative stress-induced damage to lens epithelial cells (LECs). Key factors contributing to cataract formation include aging, arterial hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. Given the high global prevalence of cataracts, the burden of cataract-related visual impairment is substantial, highlighting the need for pharmacological strategies to supplement surgical interventions. Understanding the molecular pathways involved in oxidative stress during cataract development may offer valuable insights for designing novel therapeutic approaches. This review explores the role of oxidative stress in cataract formation, focusing on critical mechanisms, such as mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, loss of gap junctions, and various cell death pathways in LECs. Additionally, we discuss emerging therapeutic strategies and potential targeting options, including antioxidant-based treatments.

The Analysis Study of Prevalence, Diagnosis, and Management of Cataract in Adult Eye: A Comprehensive Systematic Review

Background: Cataract remains a major cause of visual impairment worldwide. However, in many countries cataract surgery is easily available. Cataract surgery is a kind of effective way to deal with cataract, but it is acompanied with many surgical complications and expensive costs that present enormous social and economic problems to a society, especially in the remote and poor areas of developing countries. The aim: The aim of this study to show about prevalence, diagnosis, and management of cataract in adult eye. Methods: By the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2020, this study was able to show that it met all of the requirements. Result: Eight publications were found to be directly related to our ongoing systematic examination after a rigorous three-level screening approach. Subsequently, a comprehensive analysis of the complete text was conducted, and additional scrutiny was given to these articles. Conclusion: Cataracts to increase in the near future due to an increase in the aging population and pre-senile cataracts. The current study also provides clinical determinants for cataract and cataract surgery. Since cataract has emerged as a public concern and the cost burden for cataract surgery has increased with an aging population, it is expected that the present study will form a cornerstone for further investigations and the establishment of a public health plan.

Effectiveness Of Planned Teaching Programme On Preventive Measures Of Cataract Among Adults In Selected Urban Community, Mangalore

A cataract is the clouding of the lens in the eye affecting vision. Early in the development of age-related cataract the power of the lens may be increased, causing near-sightedness (myopia), and the gradual yellowing and opacification of the lens may reduce the perception of blue colours. Most cataracts are related to aging. Exposure to sunlight may be associated with an increased risk of cataract. Vitamin supplements have shown varying results in delaying the progression of cataract. Globally, there are nearly 45 million blind people. Almost 135 million people are with low vision. A total of nearly 180 million people have some degree of visual disability. Nine of the ten who are blind live in the developing countries. On the current projections, there could be estimated 50 million blind people due to cataract by 202016. Prevalence of cataract in USA is approximately 5.5 million or 2.02%. India is one of the countries that have a sizeable number of visually impaired people17 . The annual incidence of cataract blindness in India is about 3.8 million. Statistics reveal that over 12 million people in the country are visually handicapped. Out of 41.8% of global blindness, 23.5% is contributed by India. Major proportion of total blindness in India (81%) is constituted by cataract18 . In Karnataka prevalence of cataract blindness among the men above the age of fifty is 3.39% and women is 6.51%, in Dakshina Kannada district it is 1.27% for men and 7.65% for women19 . Hence the researcher felt the need to evaluate the effectiveness of planned teaching programme on preventive measures of cataract in a selected urban community, Mangalore. Objectives: The purpose of this study was • to determine the level of knowledge on preventive measures of cataract among adults as measured by a structured closed-ended knowledge questionnaire • to determine the effectiveness of Planned Teaching Programme on preventive measures of cataract among adults • to find the association between the pre-test knowledge scores with selected demographic variables. Research approach and design: A pre-experimental research design of one group pre- and post-test with an evaluative approach was used for this study. Setting: The study was conducted in Jeppu urban community area of Mangalore. Subjects: Adults in the age group of 30-55 years in the selected urban areas of Mangalore Sample size and Sampling technique: The sample for the present study comprised 100 adults in the age group of 30-55 years who met the inclusion criteria The investigator purposely selected the adults who were judged to be a typical population who needs the knowledge related to cataract. Planned teaching programme The planned teaching programme on “preventive measures of cataract.” was developed after an exhaustive review. The content the planned teaching programme included • Introduction • Definition • Eye and lens • Functions of eye • Definition of cataract • Incidence of cataract • Etiological risk factors of cataract • Classification of cataract • Sites of cataract • Clinical manifestations of cataract • Diagnostic measures of cataract • Preventive measures of cataract • Therapeutic regimen in case of diabetes and hypertension • Demonstrate the eye exercises • Conclusion Instrument used: Structured closed-ended knowledge questionnaire on preventive measures of cataract among adults. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics Major findings and reports: Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. Pre-test assessment revealed that highest percentage (49%) of adults had poor knowledge, 43% had average knowledge, and only 8% had good knowledge. The post-test revealed that 98% had gained very good knowledge, 2% of them gained good knowledge. The total mean percentage of pre-test knowledge score was 43.58% (mean 10.46 ± 3.22) and the mean percentage post-test knowledge score was 92.25% (mean 22.14 ± 1.38) showing an effectiveness of 48.62% (mean 11.68± 2.89). Significance of difference between pre-test and post-test was statistically tested by using paired ‘t’ test and it was found very highly significant (t=40.10, p<0.05). The pretest knowledge score showed association between the pre-test knowledge and previous source of information regarding prevention of cataract but there was no association between pre-test knowledge and age, gender, educational status, occupation and family history of cataract. Conclusion: The findings of the study reveal that adults had inadequate knowledge on preventive measures of cataract; however the knowledge has significantly improved after the Planned Teaching Programme. Hence, it is concluded that PTP was highly effective in improving the knowledge of the adults regarding the preventive measures of cataract.

Risk Factor Analysis of Cataracts in Primary Health Center

Introduction: Cataracts are still one of the causes of blindness worldwide. Indonesia is known for the highest cataract prevalence in Southeast Asia. Therefore, early detection is vital to slow the progression of visual impairment caused by cataracts, thereby increasing the quality of life, especially in the elderly. We aimed to analyze risk factors of cataract incidence at the Sumberasih Public Health Center. Method: A retrospective analytical study was conducted with a total of 100 samples that were divided equally into a cataract group and a control group. The data was analyzed using the SPSS program. Result: A majority of cataract subjects are women (62%), pre-elderly (40%), working exposed to UV sun rays (60%), cigarette smoke (78%), and having abnormal body mass index (58%). We found that gender, UV exposure based on occupation, hypertension history, cigarette smoke exposure, and body mass index were significantly correlated to cataract incidence, respectively, p = 0.009, p = 0.016, p = 0.037, p < 0.001, and p = 0.045. The Chi-square test results p < 0.025 were followed by logistic regression, and gender was the most influential risk factor of cataract incidence, approximately 4.050 times (CI 95%: 1.427 - 11.498). Conclusion: Cataracts can be caused by several risk factors. Hopefully, risk factors discovered as early as possible can reduce the risk of developing cataracts.

Understanding the cataract treatment disparities among older adults in India.

Cataract is a leading cause of global blindness, affecting around 33% of blind individuals worldwide. It significantly impacts individuals' well-being, independence, and quality of life, posing a substantial economic burden. India's rapidly ageing population necessitates an examination of cataract prevalence and treatment disparities. No attempts have been made to address socioeconomic variation in treatment disparities of effective cataract treatment coverage among older adults in India. This study utilises data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study of India (LASI) conducted in 2017-18, that covered, 73,396 individuals aged 45 and above. Logistic regression, univariate, and bivariate analyses were employed to understand the variation of cataract and their associations with various demographic factors. Visual acuity tests and self-reported cataract data were used. The prevalence of cataract among older adults in India was 14.25%, with higher rates among females and the older adult. Socioeconomic disparities werelarge, with lower prevalence among those with higher education and urban residence. Despite the effectiveness of cataract surgery, disparities in treatment access and effective coverage persisted. Approximately 27.52% of older adults did not receive cataract treatment, and those who received out of them 28% did not receive effective treatment. The effective treatment was lower among female, less educated, and poor. Cataract remains a significant public health concern in India, particularly among older adults. The study highlights the importance of addressing socioeconomic disparities in cataract treatment access and quality of care. Targeted interventions are needed to bridge these gaps, ultimately improving visual health outcomes and well-being among older adults in India.

Changing trend of cataract blindness and visual outcomes after cataract surgery in adults aged 50 years and older: findings from the national eye surveys in Malaysia

Background/aimsPopulation surveys are required to measure the prevalence of cataract blindness in the community. We conducted simultaneous surveys in two regions in Malaysia in 2023 to estimate the prevalence of...

STUDY OF CLINICAL PROFILE OF PSEUDO-EXFOLIATION SYNDROME AND PSEUDO-EXFOLIATION CATARACT IN A TERTIARY HEALTH CARE HOSPITAL IN WESTERN ODISHA

Objective: The pseudo-exfoliation (PEX) syndrome is a complex disorder characterized by the deposition of fibrillary materials around the blood vessels of organs. This study was conducted with the aim of knowing the actual prevalence of PEX in Western Odisha and the characteristics of cataracts in those PEX patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 340 OPD patients and was conducted between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2022, at Hitech Medical College and Hospital. The prevalence of PEX and cataracts was studied. The data was analyzed using basic descriptive statistics and reported in frequencies and percentages. Results: The study showed 74 patients out of 340 were diagnosed with pseudoexfoliation syndrome, with a prevalence of 23%. 42 patients (58%) were male and 32 (42%) were female, with a M: F ratio of 1.3:1. The mean age of presentation was 67 y (range 51–84 y), and the majority of patients (41%) were in the age group of 61–70 y. The increased intraocular pressure was noticed in 11 cases (15%) in our study. Two patients each had open-angle glaucoma and lens-induced glaucoma. Nuclear cataract was the most common type of cataract observed in 27% of the study group, followed by cortical cataract with nuclear sclerosis in 19% of cases. Conclusion: It is concluded that pseudo-exfoliation syndrome is more common in males than in females, with a higher number of patients in the age group of 81 y and older. Therefore, it can be assumed that it is associated with the age factor. Nuclear cataract was the most common type of cataract observed in our study population.

High ambient temperature may induce presbyopia via TRPV1 activation.

The prevalence of presbyopia and nuclear cataracts (NUC) is reported to be higher in tropical areas than that in other regions, suggesting a potential influence of high temperatures on lens health. Transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) channels play a crucial role in detecting ambient temperatures across various species, with TRPV1 and TRPV4 expressed in lens epithelial cells. In this study, we investigated whether ambient temperatures affect TRPV1 and TRPV4 activity in the lens, potentially contributing to the development of presbyopia and NUC. We conducted experiments using cultured human lens epithelial cell lines under different temperature conditions. Our results revealed that the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 pathways, downstream molecules of TRPV1, were activated, while Src family kinase, a downstream molecule of TRPV4, was inhibited at 37.5°C culture compared to 35.0°C. Confocal microscope images demonstrated higher expression of TRPV1 in 3D-structured cells under high-temperature culture conditions. Additionally, in organ culture lenses, higher elasticity was observed at elevated temperatures compared to that at lower temperatures. These results suggest that high ambient temperatures may induce lens sclerosis via TRPV1 activation, potentially contributing to the development of presbyopia and NUC.

Cataract Surgery and Mental Health: A Comprehensive Review on Outcomes in the Elderly.

Cataract surgery is a widely performed and highly effective procedure that significantly improves vision in elderly patients. This narrative review examines the impact of cataract surgery on mental health outcomes in the elderly, focusing on conditions such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. The review highlights the prevalence of cataracts in older adults and the importance of mental health in this demographic, emphasizing the interconnectedness of visual and mental health. Improved vision following cataract surgery has been associated with enhanced quality of life, increased independence, and better psychological well-being. Mechanisms linking visual improvement to mental health benefits include biological pathways, psychosocial factors, and overall health improvements. However, socioeconomic factors, access to healthcare, and patient education play crucial roles in achieving positive outcomes. This review also compares cataract surgery with other interventions, providing a cost-benefit analysis and discussing the long-term sustainability of mental health benefits. Practice recommendations include pre-surgical mental health screening, integrative care approaches, and guidelines for postoperative care focusing on mental health. The review concludes with suggestions for future research to further explore the relationship between cataract surgery and mental health in the elderly, aiming to enhance clinical practice and public health strategies.

Exploring awareness of cataract and associated risk factors: A cross-sectional study among the adult population in Jazan, Saudi Arabia.

Cataracts are a leading cause of visual impairment globally and significantly affect quality of life. In the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia, an area characterized by unique environmental and socioeconomic factors, the awareness of the cataract and its associated risk factors remain poorly understood. Therefore, assessing the knowledge about this problem in our region is the initial step to mitigate the impact of cataracts in the region. This descriptive cross-sectional study evaluated the prevalence of cataracts and the associated risk factors among adults in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. The study employed an online questionnaire divided into the sociodemographic characteristics and cataract knowledge sections. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences for descriptive statistics. The study included 701 participants, predominantly young males (64.2%, aged 18-30 years). The participant profile included students (35.7%) and teachers (16.4%), and the majority held university degrees (69.2%). The preferred sources of information were TV and social media (23.8%), the Internet (23.3%), and academic studies (10.9%). Regarding cataract awareness, 57.6% correctly identified cataracts, 64.9% recognized blurred vision as a symptom, and 68.8% were aware of surgical treatment. Notable associations were found with sex (84.1% of females with higher education, P = .039), age (90.4% of those with >50 years of education, P = .002), and occupation (93.2% of students, P < .001). Overall, there were significant associations between the knowledge level and age (67.3%, P < .001) and occupation (77.6%, P < .001). This study revealed a moderate level of awareness of cataracts in Jazan, with significant variations based on sex, age, and occupation. These findings highlight the need for targeted educational interventions, particularly among certain demographic groups, to enhance understanding and management of cataracts in the region.

A Study on Refractive Outcome Following Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery with Rigid PCIOL

Introduction: Cataract is a significant and increasing global problem with vast economic and social implications[1]. It is the principal cause of blindness in India accounting for 62.6% (92). The prevalence of blinding cataract will only increase as people live longer, so cataract will continue to be, by far, the most important treatable cause of blindness. It is estimated that the present number of 20 million of cataract blind will double by year 2030.[2] . Materials and Methods: Study design: Cross sectional observational study Source of data: All the patients admitted with small incision cataract surgery (SICS) with PCIOL implant, in the department of Ophthalmology Rajarajeshwari Medical College and Hospital, Bangalore Study period: 18 months (Jan 2021- June 2022) Sample size: 200 patients. Results and Observations: In our study, at 1st post operative week, most patients had visual acuity score of better than 6/9 and least had less than 6/60 score. A follow up of patients at 2nd week, 6th week and end of 6th week showed that visual acuity improved at 2nd and 6th post-operative weeks.. Most patients were in the refraction range of &lt; -0.50. Conclusion: From our study we conclude that the uncorrected visual acuity of cataract patients improved in the early and late post-operative weeks, after undergoing Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery with Rigid PCIOL (MSICS) to a great extent. MSICS can be accepted as an alternative to phacoemulsification in developing countries like India. Keywords: Cataract, Small incision, Astigmatic, Visual outcome

Retinal image quality assessment in diabetic-retinopathy screening: Real world evidence from a lower-middle income country

Objectives: Sight loss due to diabetic retinopathy (DR) is preventable by early detection and treatment. Digital retinal imaging is the most widely practiced method of screening of DR. Poor quality of images is a major hinder to implement systematic DR screening using digital retinal imaging in low- and middle-income countries with a high prevalence of lens opacities. We aimed to identify the proportion of ungradable images using hand-held retinal imaging and predictors of image gradability in a DR screening feasibility study conducted in Sri Lanka. Material and Methods: The present study is a retrospective data analysis of a validation study conducted to assess the diagnostic test accuracy of a held-held digital retinal imaging model integrated into a tertiary level medical clinic. Two selected physician graders underwent formal training to assess retinal image quality using a “four-quadrant method of assessing gradability.” The procedure was a subjective image quality assessment performed by the physician graders manually, that is, images with more than 50% of the field with poor clarity and not suitable for retinopathy grading were classified as ungradable. Two-field (Field-1: macula centered, Field-2: disc centered) non-mydriatic and mydriatic retinal images were captured (Type of camera: Zeiss-Visuscout 100®, Germany) in a consecutive sample of people with diabetes attended for routine medical care and assessed for quality and graded by two independent physician graders on-site. The reference test was a mydriatic biomicroscopic examination conducted at a separate eye clinic by an experienced specialist retinologist. Mixed model regression analysis was conducted to assess the predictors of gradability. Results: A total of 700 individuals (5508 gradability data points) were included in the study. The proportion of ungradable images in non-mydriatic imaging was 30% for Grader 1 and 24% for Grader 2 and went down to 7% and 5%, respectively, for Grader 1 and 2 after dilating the pupils using mydriatic agents. Non-mydriatic images had almost 20 times higher odds (odds ratio [OR] 19.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 15.1–25.8) of being rated as ungradable compared to mydriatic images. With the increase of each year in age, the odds of having ungradable digital retinal images in a patient increased by 7% (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.05–1.09). For visual acuity increase in each level of the Log-MAR scale, the odds of having ungradable images increased by 40% (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.30–1.51). In lens opacity, 54% higher odds of ungradability were observed when present nuclear opalescence (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.39–1.70) and posterior subcapsular opacity (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.24–1.92). Conclusion: Non-mydriatic methods may not be suitable as a primary DR screening strategy in countries with a high prevalence of cataracts. Increasing age, poor visual acuity, and the presence of lens opacity are factors that would affect image quality. The capacity to deliver services for managing cataracts may be an important determinant in achieving effective coverage of digital surveillance of DR in low- and middle-income countries.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Cataract, Cataract Surgery and Postoperative Outcome in an Old Population in Russia: The Ural Very Old Study

PurposeTo assess prevalence of cataract and cataract surgery in a very old population in Russia. DesignPopulation-based study. ParticipantsThe Ural Very Old Study included 1526 (81.1%) participants out of 1882 eligible individuals aged 85+ years. MethodsBased on anterior and posterior segment imaging, we assessed the prevalence of cataract, cataract surgery and other ocular disorders affecting best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Main outcome measuresPrevalence of cataract and cataract surgery. ResultsThe study included 1163 (76.3%) individuals with lens information. Cataract surgery had been performed in 469 right eyes (41.0%;95%CI:38.1,43.9) (92.1% with posterior chamber IOL; 4.7% with multifocal IOL) and 479 left eyes (41.6%;95%CI:38.7,44.4) (92.7% with posterior chamber IOL; 4.2% with multifocal IOL). Among the 1163 study participants, 610 (52.5%) individuals had undergone cataract surgery in at least one eye. Higher prevalence of previous cataract surgery correlated (multivariable analysis) with lower IOP (OR:0.92;95%CI:0.88,0.95;P<0.001), glaucomatous optic nerve damage stage (OR:1.20;95%CI:1.05,1.36;P=0.006), and better visual acuity (OR:0.67;95%CI:0.51,0.89;P=0.005). Postoperative BCVA (mean:0.83±1.43logMAR) was reduced to moderate-to-severe vision impairment (MSVI) in 202 eyes (44.6%;95%CI:40.0,49.2) and to blindness in 53 eyes (11.7%;95%CI:8.7,14.7). Causes of postoperative MSVI were age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (34.2%), glaucoma (13.9%), and secondary cataract (5.4%). Causes for blindness were AMD (24.5%), glaucoma (18.9%), corneal opacifications (15.8%) and myopic macular degeneration (11.3%). YAG-laser capsulotomy had been performed in 6 (1.3%) out 469 right eyes after cataract surgery and in 12 (2.5%) out of 479 left eyes after cataract surgery. Prevalence of nuclear cataract and cortical cataract was 604/671 (90.0% in phakic eyes 51.9% in the whole study population) and 97.9% eyes (48.4% in total study population). Cataract caused bilateral MSVI and blindness in 28.2% (95%CI:25.6,30) and 2.9% (95%CI:1.9,3.9), respectively, of all study participants. ConclusionsDespite a relatively high prevalence of cataract surgery, this multiethnic cohort aged 85+ years from Russia showed a high prevalence of cataract-related MSVI and blindness, due to the old age of the participants. After cataract surgery, main causes for MSVI (prevalence:44.6%) and blindness (prevalence:11.7%) were AMD, glaucoma, corneal opacifications, and myopic macular degeneration. Almost all individuals aged 85+ years need cataract surgery, despite limited chance of postoperative good vision.

Loss of αBa-crystallin, but not αA-crystallin, increases age-related cataract in the zebrafish lens

The vertebrate eye lens is an unusual organ in that most of its cells lack nuclei and the ability to replace aging protein. The small heat shock protein α-crystallins evolved to become key components of this lens, possibly because of their ability to prevent aggregation of aging protein that would otherwise lead to lens opacity. Most vertebrates express two α-crystallins, αA- and αB-crystallin, and mutations in each are linked to human cataract. In a mouse knockout model only the loss of αA-crystallin led to early-stage lens cataract. We have used the zebrafish as a model system to investigate the role of α-crystallins during lens development. Interestingly, while zebrafish express one lens-specific αA-crystallin gene (cryaa), they express two αB-crystallin genes, with one evolving lens specificity (cryaba) and the other retaining the broad expression of its mammalian ortholog (cryabb). In this study we used individual mutant zebrafish lines for all three α-crystallin genes to determine the impact of their loss on age-related cataract. Surprisingly, unlike mouse knockout models, we found that the loss of the αBa-crystallin gene cryaba led to an increase in lens opacity compared to cryaa null fish at 24 months of age. Loss of αA-crystallin did not increase the prevalence of cataract. We also used single cell RNA-Seq and RT-qPCR data to show a shift in the lens expression of zebrafish α-crystallins between 5 and 10 days post fertilization (dpf), with 5 and 6 dpf lenses expressing cryaa almost exclusively, and expression of cryaba and cryabb becoming more prominent after 10 dpf. These data show that cryaa is the primary α-crystallin during early lens development, while the protective role for cryaba becomes more important during lens aging. This study is the first to quantify cataract prevalence in wild-type aging zebrafish, showing that lens opacities develop in approximately 25% of fish by 18 months of age. None of the three α-crystallin mutants showed a compensatory increase in the expression of the remaining two crystallins, or in the abundant βB1-crystallin. Overall, these findings indicate an ontogenetic shift in the functional importance of individual α-crystallins during zebrafish lens development. Our finding that the lens-specific zebrafish αBa-crystallin plays the leading role in preventing age-related cataract adds a new twist to our understanding of vertebrate lens evolution.

Myopia and Nutrient Associations with Age-Related Eye Diseases in Korean Adults: A Cross-Sectional KNHANES Study.

This study assessed the prevalence of myopia, cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration among Koreans over 40, utilizing data from the 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES VII, 2018). We analyzed 204,973 adults (44% men, 56% women; mean age 58.70 ± 10.75 years), exploring the association between myopia and these eye diseases through multivariate logistic regression, adjusting for confounders and calculating adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results showed a myopia prevalence of 44.6%, cataracts at 19.4%, macular degeneration at 16.2%, and glaucoma at 2.3%, with significant differences across ages and genders. A potential link was found between myopia and an increased risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, but not with glaucoma. Additionally, a higher dietary intake of carbohydrates, polyunsaturated and n-6 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals correlated with lower risks of these diseases, underscoring the importance of the diet in managing and preventing age-related eye conditions. These findings highlight the need for dietary considerations in public health strategies and confirm myopia as a significant risk factor for specific eye diseases in the aging Korean population.

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 in South Korea: a comprehensive analysis of cancer and comorbidity risks.

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is an inherited neuromuscular disorder characterized by myotonia and progressive muscle weakness. Beyond the primary symptoms, there is growing concern regarding a higher incidence of certain comorbidities in DM1 patients, including cancer, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, and cataracts. This study was designed to examine the occurrence of these conditions among patients diagnosed with DM1 in South Korea, using data from the National Health Insurance Service database. The study undertook a comprehensive review of 3,842 patients diagnosed with DM1 between 2012 and 2018. We assessed the incidence of cancer and the prevalence of diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, and cataracts among these patients, comparing their rates to those in the general population. In the study cohort, 463 out of 3,842 DM1 patients (12.04%) were diagnosed with cancer, indicating a substantial elevation in cancer risk with an overall standard incidence ratio of 1.9 (95% CI = 1.6-2.3, p < 0.01) when compared to the expected rates in the general population. Moreover, the prevalence of diabetes (15.2%) and thyroid dysfunction (17.6%) was noteworthy in the DM1 population. The mean age at which DM1 patients underwent cataract surgery was 55.07years, noticeably younger than the mean age of 69.25years for cataract surgery in the general population. DM1 patients have a noteworthy occurrence of several comorbidities such as cancer, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, and earlier cataract surgery. This highlights the importance of a comprehensive and integrative approach to the management and treatment of DM1, going beyond addressing only the primary neuromuscular symptoms. More research is required to understand the underlying mechanisms contributing to these comorbidities in DM1 patients, which may inform preventative measures and guide improvements in patient care.

Trends in the global burden of vision loss among the older adults from 1990 to 2019.

To quantify the global impact of vision impairment in individuals aged 65 years and older between 1990 and 2019, segmented by disease, age, and sociodemographic index (SDI). Using the Global Burden of Diseases 2019 (GBD 2019) dataset, a retrospective demographic evaluation was undertaken to ascertain the magnitude of vision loss over this period. Metrics evaluated included case numbers, prevalence rates per 100,000 individuals, and shifts in prevalence rates via average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) and years lived with disability (YLDs). From 1990 to 2019, vision impairment rates for individuals aged 65 years and older increased from 40,027.0 (95% UI: 32,232.9-49,945.1) to 40,965.8 (95% UI: 32,911-51,358.3, AAPC: 0.11). YLDs associated with vision loss saw a significant decrease, moving from 1713.5 (95% UI: 1216.2-2339.7) to 1579.1 (95% UI: 1108.3-2168.9, AAPC: -0.12). Gender-based evaluation showed males had lower global prevalence and YLD rates compared to females. Cataracts and near vision impairment were the major factors, raising prevalence by 6.95 and 2.11%, respectively. Cataract prevalence in high-middle SDI regions and near vision deficits in high SDI regions significantly influenced YLDs variation between 1990 and 2019. Over the past three decades, there has been a significant decrease in the vision impairment burden in individuals aged 65 and older worldwide. However, disparities continue, based on disease type, regional SDI, and age brackets. Enhancing eye care services, both in scope and quality, is crucial for reducing the global vision impairment burden among the older adults.

IJCM_248A: Visual health related to quality of life and visual acuity in cataract patients advised for surgery: A hospital-based cross-sectional study

Background: Vision plays a pivotal role in daily activities, and its impairment, often caused by cataracts, significantly impacts the quality of life. Cataracts, characterized by cloudiness or opacity in the eye lens, contribute significantly to visual impairment, especially in individuals over 60 years. The prevalence of cataract-induced blindness in India is alarmingly high, with 80.1% of blindness and 58% of senile cataract cases attributed to this condition. Objectives: To assess the impact of cataract surgery on the visual health- related quality of life (VHRQoL) among patients. Methodologyology: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Government Wenlock Hospital and KMC Mangalore Attavar, hospitals affiliated to Kasturba Medical college, Mangalore. The study included cataract patients, both preoperative and postoperative, excluding those with other eye-related disorders. Non-probability (purposive) sampling was employed, determining a sample size of 60 based on a 95% confidence level and 62% prevalence of cataract. Results: Patients undergoing cataract surgery exhibited notable improvements in general vision, ocular pain, mental health, and near activities. Enhanced role performance, social life, and reduced dependency were observed. Post-operative visual acuity improved, especially for pre-operative values below 6/18. VFQ-J11 revealed significant associations in 4 out of 7 domains, surpassing VFQ-25 (2 out of 12), making VFQ-J11 a preferred tool for assessing pre- operative and post-operative patients. Conclusion: The cataract surgery leads to an overall enhancement in the quality of life for the majority of patients, with a moderate correlation between VHRQoL improvement and visual acuity.