Prevalence Of Cataract Research Articles

Clinical characteristics of congenital and developmental cataract in Kazakhstan.

To study and describe clinical characteristics of congenital and developmental cataract at a tertiary eye care facility. In this retrospective study, 942 children (1311 eyes) presenting with congenital/developmental cataract over a 10-year study period were included. Gender, age at surgery, main presenting complaint, morphologic type of cataract, laterality, family history, and associated findings were recorded. The overall proportion of boys and girls undergoing cataract surgery was approximately equal (P = 0.110). However, in the cases of bilateral cataract, the proportion of boys was larger than girls (P = 0.028). More than half (62.3%) of the patients underwent surgery at the age of >3 years. The main presenting complaint was white pupils, accounting for 48.1% of cases. Total cataract was the most common morphologic type in all age groups. In total, 133 children out of 942 (14.1%) had a positive family history of congenital/developmental cataract. Strabismus and nystagmus were seen in 27.2% and 19.3% of the eyes, respectively. Additional ocular dysmorphology was found in 97 (10.3%) of patients. Coexisting systemic disease was found in 149 (15.8%) cases. Among syndrome-associated cataracts, Down syndrome accounted for the majority of cases. High prevalence of total cataracts as well as frequent association with strabismus and nystagmus are likely to be the consequences of delayed presentation.

LBODP084 Bilateral Cataracts In A 15-year-old Girl With New-onset Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract Background Cataracts secondary to Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes is not uncommon in adults, however, it is a rare finding in pediatrics patients with Type 1 Diabetes. Clinical Case A 15-year-old girl presented with progressively worsened bilateral vision for 6 months, however, vision rapidly deteriorated over the previous month, prompting visit to optometrist. No history of weight loss, however, did report 1.5 years of polydipsia, polyuria, and polyphagia. Outside optometrist reported concerns for cataracts. She presented to our Ophthalmology department one week later, who found bilateral cataracts with haziness in all layers and swollen lenses. Labs were done due to findings, glucose was 668 mg/dL with HbA1C >20%. She presented next day to ER, reported no symptoms other than blurry vision but was found to be in mild DKA with a venous pH of 7.285, Ketones 5.41 mmol/L, Glucose 480 mg/dL, and C-peptide 0.32 pmol/mL. Patient was started on insulin infusion at 0.1u/kg/hour and transitioned quickly to subcutaneous insulin. Pancreatic antibodies were significant for positive GAD65 and ZnT8 antibodies. She had cataract surgery for her left eye 1 week after presentation, found to have intumescent white cataract with "hand motion" vision. Vision in left eye is now 20/20 with plans to operate on the right eye in the near future. Literature Review: The prevalence of early diabetic cataracts in the pediatric population can range from 0.7%- 3.4% (1); and more common in female patients (2). Pathophysiology includes defect in the polyol pathway, combined with oxidative stress, leading to increased fluid retention (3). Treatment involves cataract surgery and improved glycemic control. Current ISPAD guidelines recommend initial evaluation for cataracts, and subsequent surveillance concomitant with diabetic retinopathy monitoring biennially with those with good glycemic control (4). Conclusion Diabetic cataracts are extremely rare in the pediatric population. However, diabetes should be considered as an etiology for juvenile cataracts. Given the rapid formation and severity of onset of bilateral cataracts for this patient, early and frequent ophthalmologic surveillance should be recommended for Type 1 diabetes pediatric population. Reference: 1. Šimunović, M, et al (2018). Cataract as early ocular complication in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus. International Journal of Endocrinology, 2018, 1–6. 2. Lu, W. -L, et al (2020). High risk of early cataracts in young type 1 diabetes group: A nationwide cohort study. International Journal of Endocrinology, 2020, 1–8. 3. Pollreisz, A, et al (2010). Diabetic cataract pathogenesis, epidemiology and treatment. Journal of Ophthalmology, 2010, 1–8. 4. Donaghue, KC, et al (2018). ISPAD Clinical Practice Consensus Guidelines 2018: Microvascular and macrovascular complications in children and adolescents. Pediatric Diabetes, 19, 262–274. Presentation: No date and time listed

The Prevalence of Cataract in Children.

Cataractis the leading cause of childhood blindness in developing countries. Early detection and treatment of childhood cataracts can reduce the burden of blindness in the nation. Often the etiology of pediatric cataract is idiopathic; however, genetics play a role in the development of congenital cataract.According to epidemiologists, one-fourth of cases of congenital cataracts are hereditary. Gene responsible for the development of cataractis identified using gene mapping, which helps to prevent future blindness in the family. Cataracts can alsopresent with systemic disease, microphthalmia, microcornea, and aniridia. The presentation of cataracts varies in individuals, some are symptomatic while others are asymptomatic. Parents after noticing strabismus and leukocoria bring their childrento an ophthalmologist. Early diagnosiscan restore visual function in cases of congenital cataract. In young babies, the type of cataract is determined using slit-lamp examination and examination under anesthesia in OR. Most cases of pediatric cataracts are accidental findings during routine checkups. On direct ophthalmoscopy, red reflex is not appreciated in cases of cataracts. Advancing technology changes the ophthalmologist's approach to pediatric cataract surgery, improving postoperative refractory function. In children, minor incision surgery was preferredto heal early. An appropriate choice of intraocular lens (IOL) should be made for implantation in a child's eye to avoid postimplanted complications. Inflammation and amblyopia affect the outcome of treatment. Complications of cataract surgery include posterior capsule opacification, glaucoma, inflammation, and uveitis.

Pseudophakia and Lens Opacities in 70-Year-Olds in Gothenburg, Sweden; Gender Differences, Impact on Self-Reported Visual Function and Validation of Self-Reported Cataract and Pseudophakia.

PurposeThe study aimed at determining the prevalence and sex differences in cataract, pseudophakia, lens opacities and self-reported cataract in 70-year-old people in Gothenburg, Sweden. The purpose was also to identify correlations between lens opacities, visual acuity and subjective visual function, and to validate self-reported cataract and cataract surgery.Patients and MethodsPopulation-based cross-sectional study where participants (n=1182) answered questions about self-reported diagnosis of cataract and cataract surgery. A total of 1139 subjects completed the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire‐25 (NEI VFQ‐25), 560 subjects underwent ophthalmic examination including visual acuity and lens photography. t-test, Pearson chi-square and Mann–Whitney U-test were used for obtaining p-values. ANOVA (analysis of variances, Kruskal–Wallis, one-way) was used to compare VFQ-25 between 3 groups; no cataract, cataract and pseudophakia. To clarify the differences between specific pairs of groups post-hoc test (Bonferroni) was used after ANOVA.ResultsSelf-reported cataract was more common in women than in men (27.2% vs 19.1%, p=0.001, chi-square). Cataract surgery was reported by 16.3% of women and 12.6% of men (p=0.072). Upon eye examination, the prevalence of pseudophakia was 16.9% in women compared to 10.2% in men (p=0.020). The prevalence of cataract, including pseudophakia, was 31.9% in women versus 23.8% in men (p=0.033). Significant correlations (Spearman’s rho) were found between lens opacities and visual acuity. Self-reported cataract surgery showed a very high specificity and high sensitivity. The composite score from NEI VFQ‐25 was lower in people with pseudophakia than in people with/without cataract (p=0.012, Kruskal–Wallis).ConclusionThe prevalence of cataract including pseudophakia in 70-year-olds in Gothenburg is higher compared to previous studies in similar geographical areas. Also, it is more common in women than in men. The lack of significant sex differences in lens opacities may be due to cataract surgery at an earlier stage. Validation showed very good agreement between pseudophakia and self-reported cataract surgery.

Radiation induced cataracts in interventionalists occupationally exposed to ionising radiation.

BackgroundOccupational exposure to ionising radiation may have detrimental health effects. Longer and more complex fluoroscopic procedures have placed interventionalists at increased occupational health risks especially for developing cataracts in the radiosensitive lenses of the eyes.ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the prevalence of occupational related cataracts and describe the risk factors for cataracts in occupationally exposed interventionalists compared with unexposed doctors.MethodA cross-sectional study using multiple methods. A survey was conducted. The radiation workload was determined based on a self-administered questionnaire and dose area product values determined in previous studies. Both groups had slit lamp examinations. The data were analysed analytically using R software version 9.3.ResultsThe study included 98 interventionalists. The combined prevalence of posterior sub-capsular (PSC) and cortical cataracts was 18.8% in the exposed and 13.9% in the unexposed group. The prevalence of PSC cataracts in the exposed group was 5.9% and 2.8% in the unexposed group, with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.2 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.58; 8.61). Posterior sub-capsular cataracts were more common in the left eye. The increase in cataracts was not statistically significant in the exposed group but is of clinical significance.ConclusionThe findings are important as they highlight the need for greater vigilance for protecting the radiation healthcare workforce in a developing country setting.ContributionThe research is the first of its kind in South Africa and Africa and contributes to determining the prevalence in this highly skilled and occupationally vulnerable group.

Prevalence of Congenital Cataract and Lens Extraction in Lahore Population

Congenital cataracts account for one-third of infant blindness globally and are one of the leading cause of vision loss in children. A retrospective study was performed between October 2020 and April 2021 on congenital cataract patients of Lahore visited ophthalmologic consultation at the Al Ehsaan eye hospital, General Hospital and Mayo hospital. The purpose of the study was to find the prevalence of congenital cataract in children. About 100 cases of congenital cataract including both male and female children were identified from age group of 1-13years. Congenital cataract was diagnosed using Snellen’s visual acuity test, ophthalmoscope and slit lamp test. Male children showed greater prevalence of congenital cataract as compared to female children. The prevalence of congenital cataract in male children was 55% (n=55) while among female children, it was 45% (n=45). Both conditions of unilateral and bilateral congenital cataract were observed with incidence of 46% (n=46) and 54% (n=54) in male and female children respectively. Lens extraction was also done in 94% (n=94) and after surgery 55% (n=52) patients showed positive response and 45% (n=42) patient had negative response for light perception. Moreover, most patients of congenital cataracts were of less than 1 year of age group. It was concluded congenital cataract may lead to childhood blindness if not treated on time.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Adult Cataract in the Jingan District of Shanghai.

Purpose We report the prevalence of age-related cataract (ARC) in the Jingan district of Shanghai and analyze the risk factors for ARC to be better prepared for the increasing burden of cataracts as a significant cause of visual impairment worldwide. Methods From March to June 2010, a population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in a community selected by stratified cluster sampling in the Jingan district of Shanghai. Residents aged 40 and older were recruited and investigated by questionnaires and ophthalmic examination. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association of these risk factors with any cataract. Results A total of 2894 subjects aged 40 years and above were included in our study. Nine hundred forty-eight people (32.8%) were diagnosed with cataract, including 845 with bilateral cataracts (29.2%) and 292 with moderate and severe visual impairment (low vision, 10.1%). There were significant differences in low vision among different age groups and gender (Χ2age = 84.420, Page < 0.001, Χ2gender = 7.696, Pgender = 0.021). For any cataract, we found age (OR = 1.107, 95% CI: 1.094–1.120) and refractive error (OR = 1.352, 95% CI: 1.127–1.622) were independent risk factors. Conclusion The prevalence of cataract is estimated to be nearly one-third of the sample, increasing with age. We provided further evidence that age and refractive error are independent cataract risk factors.

Hand grip strength and ocular associations: the Ural Eye and Medical Study

PurposeTo explore the associations between hand grip strength (HGS) and ocular parameters and diseases.DesignPopulation-based cohort study.MethodsParticipants of the Ural Eye and Medical Study, including 5899 (80.5%) out of 7328 eligible...

Cross-sectional study of the association between asthma and cataract among 40 years and older in the USA

BackgroundThis study is aimed to assess the association between asthma and cataract in a representative sample in the United States.MethodsThe National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) is the principal source of information on the health of the civilian noninstitutionalized population of the United States. Ten years (2010-2019) of NHIS were analyzed in this study. Asthma and cataract status were collected from relevant questionnaires among participants aged 40 years and older. Multivariate regression analyses were applied to explore the association between asthma and cataract.ResultsFrom 40,457 participants included, those with asthma had higher prevalence of cataract than those without asthma (29.41% vs 25.87%, p < 0.001). Participants who had asthma had 40% higher odds of cataract compared to those without, after adjusting for potential confounding covariates (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.40, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.29-1.52, p < 0.001). When viewing asthma as the outcome, participants who had cataract had 36% higher odds of asthma compared to those without, after adjusting for potential confounding covariates (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.36, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.25-1.47, p < 0.001).ConclusionsWith our study, we demonstrated that individuals with asthma were more likely to develop cataract compared with those without asthma. Further RCTs are needed to confirm this potential impact of asthma on cataract and to investigate the underlying mechanisms.

Factors associated with the presence of cataracts in the Peruvian population older than 50 years: a cross-sectional study

Background: Cataracts are a public health problem, especially in low- and middle-income countries, where the greatest limitations of health care systems are observed, making access to treatment difficult. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with the presence of cataracts in adults over 50 years of age in Peru. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical observational study was performed of data from the 2019 Demographic and Family Health Survey (ENDES – acronym in Spanish). The dependent variable was the self-reported diagnosis of cataracts (yes or no). Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) were calculated using a generalized linear model of the Poisson family with a log link function to estimate factors associated with self-reported cataract diagnosis. Results: We analyzed the data of 8775 Peruvian adults older than 50 years; 1322 (16.68%) self-reported a diagnosis of cataract. A higher prevalence of having cataracts was associated with being aged 60-69 years (aPR: 1.40; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.21-1.61) and 70 years and older (aPR: 2.78; 95% CI: 2.44-3.18), identifying as being of native ethnicity (aPR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.16-1.47), having undergone ophthalmologic evaluation in the last 12 months (aPR: 2.29; 95% CI: 2.07-2.53) and having diabetes mellitus (aPR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.13-1.51). The prevalence of cataracts was lower in subjects belonging to the poorest wealth quintile (aPR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.43-0.70) and those with a higher level of education (aPR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.62-0.88). Conclusions: In Peru, one out of six adults older than 50 years self-reported a diagnosis of cataracts. People older than 60 years, being of native ethnicity, having had a visual acuity evaluation in the last 12 months and having diabetes were associated with a higher prevalence of cataracts. These factors should be considered when implementing strategies for health education, promotion and prevention to ensure access to early ophthalmologic care.

Эпидемиологические аспекты и оптимизация организации офтальмологической помощи лицам с катарактой

Purpose. To study the epidemiological features of cataracts and the organization of medical care for people with this pathology. Material and methods. In the population cross-sectional study Ural Eye and Medical Study on the basis of the Ufa Research Institute of Eye Diseases, 5899 people aged 40 years and older took part, among them men – 43.7% (2580 people), women – 56.3% (3319 people). Statistical data analysis was performed using the IBM SPSS Statistic software package. Results. According to the results of the study, the prevalence of cataract in people older than 40 years was 42.8% (95% CI: 41.4–44.2%), the prevalence of cataract surgery was 6.1% (95% CI: 4.0–9.3%). The coverage of surgical treatment of patients with cataracts among the study population was 39.8%, the rate of its effectiveness was 32.1%. The main reason that reduces patients’ adherence to timely treatment is the lack of interest of the patient himself and insufficient awareness of the complications and methods of modern cataract treatment. Conclusion. The introduction of medical and organizational measures contributed to an increase in the overall coverage of surgical treatment of people with cataracts by 25.6% (from 39.8 to 65.4%), the rate of effective coverage of surgical treatment of patients with cataracts – from 32.1 to 57, 7% and the target for maximum visual acuity fr om 80.6 to 88.2%. Key words: population study, cataract surgery, prevalence of cataract surgery

Commentary: Analyzing prevalence and risk factors of cataract: Its importance and effort.

The leading cause of avoidable blindness and the second-highest cause of visual impairment worldwide is cataract.[1] Therefore, it is important to understand the prevalence and risk factors of cataract in different parts of the world so as to reduce the same. Guo et al. in their study[2] have brought out well the importance of analyzing the prevalence of cataract. A comparison was made between the past and present prevalence of cataract in South East Asia, wherein they observed that the prevalence remained unchanged since 1990 despite an overall global reduction in cataract prevalence.[3] This indeed is an ironically striking feature because despite the overall advancement of eyecare facilities all over the world, the prevalence of cataract in South East Asia has remained unchanged over a period of 30 years, a difference well brought out.[2] As regards analysis of various risk factors, the authors have found no association of gender, diabetes mellitus, smoking, ocular trauma, and body mass index with cataract. On the other hand, increasing age, rural inhabitants, and hypertensive patients were associated with increased incidence of cataract. The authors have also compared well regarding the type of cataract and its association with the various risk factors: Patients with hypertension were associated with nuclear and cortical cataract whereas rural inhabitants had more frequently cortical cataract. This was compared with other East Asian countries as well. This kind of study definitely helps in understanding the burden of cataract in a particular region, which is an important cause of avoidable blindness. This further helps in better planning and management so as to reduce the prevalence of cataract. Like any other study, this study too has its own limitations, where sample size was calculated based on visual impairment rather than prevalence of cataract. Interestingly, the Vientiane study is first of its kind and paradoxically, there is no published data on the prevalence of cataract in the other neighboring countries of Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, or the Yunnan Province of China. This calls for more similar studies across the world especially so in the developing countries.

Prevalence and risk factors for cataracts in the Lao People's Democratic Republic: The Vientiane Eye Study.

Purpose:To determine the prevalence and risk factors for cataracts in the Vientiane Province.Methods:We conducted a population-based study of 1264 participants aged ≥40 years of age from urban and rural areas of Vientiane Province. Data collection included demographic information, smoking history, body mass index, blood pressure, history of trauma and dilated lens examination using the World Health Organization WHO Simplified Cataract Grading System. Aphakic and pseudophakic eyes were included as operated cataracts for statistical analysis.Results:The mean age of the 1264 participants was 57.6 years. The prevalence of any cataract including operated eyes was 46.8% (95% CI: 44.1 – 49.6%): 36.9% nuclear, 21.7% cortical and 10.1% posterior subcapsular cataracts.Conclusion:The prevalence of cataract in the Vientiane Eye Study is similar compared to the prevalence reported in other studies from Asian regions; however, the median age in this study was low, reflecting the age group of the population and the rapid urbanisation occurring in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. A significant association for any cataract was found with elevated blood pressure >148mmHg (OR2.48, 95%CI:1.55 - 3.97, P < 0.01), increasing age (OR1.19, 95%CI:1.17 - 1.22, P < 0.001) and rural inhabitants for cortical cataract (OR1.99, 95%CI:1.37 - 2.90, P < 0.001). An inverse relationship between rural inhabitants with any cataract and nuclear cataract was found (OR 0.63, 95%CI: 0.45 – 0.89, P < 0.01 and OR 0.42, 95%CI: 0.31 - 0.59, P < 0.001) respectively.Nevertheless, cataract remains a high prevalence disease in this population.

Metabolic Syndrome Is Associated with Cataract in a Large Taiwanese Population Study.

Cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide, and metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a known risk factor. In this study, we investigated the association between the risk of cataract with MetS and its components in a large-scale study. Data were derived from the Taiwan Biobank, and 121,380 individuals were included. The NCEP-ATP III criteria modified for use in an Asian population were used to define MetS and its components. The occurrence of cataract was identified through a standardized interview and self-reported questionnaire. Multivariable analysis showed that MetS (OR, 1.129; 95% CI, 1.0175–1.184; p < 0.001), low high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol (OR, 1.057; 95% CI, 1.005–1.113; p = 0.032), and hyperglycemia (OR, 1.162; 95% CI, 1.108–1.218; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with cataract. Furthermore, a stepwise increase in the prevalence of cataract corresponding to the number of MetS components was found. The presence of three MetS components (vs. 0; OR, 1.103; 95% CI, 1.024–1.188; p = 0.010), four MetS components (vs. 0; OR, 1.137; 95% CI, 1.040–1.242; p = 0.005), and five MetS components (vs. 0; OR, 1.208; 95% CI, 1.059–1.378; p = 0.005) were significantly associated with cataract. In conclusion, significant associations were found between a high incidence of cataract with MetS and its components, including low HDL-cholesterolemia and hyperglycemia. Further, a stepwise increase in the prevalence of cataract corresponding to the number of MetS components was also found. The results of this study indicate that MetS may increase the development of cataract in Taiwan.

Association of alkaptonuria and low dose nitisinone therapy with cataract formation in a large cohort of patients.

Homogentisic acid (HGA) lowering, disease modifying off‐label nitisinone therapy has been used in the United Kingdom National Alkaptonuria Centre (NAC) since 2012. This study evaluated the serendipitous observation of cataract in a large cohort of patients with the very rare disease alkaptonuria (AKU), over a 5‐year period. Patients with AKU who attended the NAC since 2012. Standard physical examination and ocular assessment, including photographs of the crystalline lens were taken before commencement of nitisinone 2 mg daily and annually over 5 years. Photographs were randomised and graded by two independent observers using the WHO cataract classification. AKU patients who did not receive nitisinone were included as a control group. HGA was measured on acidified 24 h urine (u‐HGA24) and HGA and tyrosine in fasting acidified serum samples (sHGA, sTYR) at each visit. Patients without suitable lens images were excluded. Cataract (mean grade 1) was noted at baseline in 47 out of 62 (76%) with a mean (SD) age of 44 (14) years. In nitisinone‐treated patients, there were significant increases in the mean grade of nuclear (0.18, p < 0.01) and cortical (0.38, p < 0.01) lens opacities over the mean duration of 4.93 years of the study. Worsening of the nuclear cataract and cortical lens opacities by at least 1 grade was noted in 14 out of 46 (30%) and 11 out of 46 (24%) patients, respectively. There is an increased prevalence and progression of cataract in AKU and a possible association of nitisinone with cataract progression.

Prevalence of Pediatric Cataract in Asia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Purpose:To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis for estimating the prevalence of pediatric cataracts across Asia.Methods:A detailed literature search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases, from 1990 to July 2021, was performed to include all studies reporting the prevalence of cataracts among children. Two researchers performed the literature search and screening of articles independently, and a third researcher critically reviewed the overall search and screening process to ensure the consistency. The JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for studies reporting prevalence data was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies.Results:Of the 496 identified articles, 35 studies with a sample size of 1,168,814 from 12 Asian countries were included in this analysis. The estimated pooled prevalence of pediatric cataracts in Asian children is 3.78 (95% confidence interval: 2.54–5.26)/10,000 individuals with high heterogeneity (I[2] = 89.5%). The pooled prevalence by each country per 10,000 was 0.60 in Indonesia, 0.92 in Bangladesh, 1.47 in Iran, 2.01 in Bhutan, 3.45 in Laos, 3.68 in China, 4.27 in Thailand, 4.47 in India, 5.33 in Malaysia, 5.42 in Nepal, 9.34 in Vietnam, and 10.86 in Cambodia.Conclusions:This study utilizes existing literature to identify the prevalence of cataracts in Asian children. Moreover, it highlights the need for more epidemiological studies with large sample sizes from other countries in Asia to accurately estimate the burden of disease.

Prevalence and 11-Year Incidence of Cataract and Cataract Surgery and the Effects of Socio-Demographic and Lifestyle Factors.

PurposeTo assess the impact of cataract in ageing population by evaluating the prevalence, incidence, and background factors of cataract and cataract surgery.Patients and MethodsTwo health examination surveys representing Finnish population in 2000 and 2011 included 7380 and 5930 participants aged 30 years or older with cataract status known. An 11-year follow-up included 4840 persons who participated in both the surveys. The data include information on physician-made diagnoses, socio-demographic factors, and lifestyle factors based on self-reported assessment. Cataract diagnoses and surgeries recorded in the Finnish Care Register for Health Care were linked to the survey data. Cataract patients were compared to those without cataract using logistic regression. Differences in cataract surgery age were evaluated using linear regression. Univariable and multivariable models were included.ResultsDuring 2000–2011, the prevalence of cataract increased from 8.8% to 13.6% and cataract surgery from 5.7% to 8.9% in a representative sample of the Finnish adult population. Cataract and cataract surgery were associated with age, smoking, and high alcohol consumption. Cataract was also associated with female gender and low income in 2000, but this association declined during the 11 years. Smoking and high alcohol consumption were associated with younger surgery age.ConclusionThe prevalence of cataract and cataract surgery is increasing with the ageing of the population. The increase in cataract surgery is likely also reflecting the improvements in eye care. The possibility to equally use health-care services throughout a country can reduce the impact of socio-demographic status. Healthy lifestyle delays the development of cataract, whereas smoking and high alcohol consumption are associated with earlier cataract development. Therefore, the availability of cataract services and promotion of healthy lifestyle will be the key to prevent the detrimental effects of cataract on patients and the society in countries where the population is rapidly ageing.

Associations of Humidity and Temperature With Cataracts Among Older Adults in China.

BackgroundThe burden of cataracts was substantial in the current aging world. However, few epidemiological studies have examined the associations between climate and weather conditions and cataract in older populations. We aimed to investigate the associations of air relative humidity and temperature with cataracts in older adults in China.MethodsWe used the cohort data from 2002, 2005, 2008, 2011, 2014, and 2018 waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). A total of 62,595 Chinese older adults aged between 65 and 105 years were included in the analyses. City-level annual average air humidity and temperature during 2001 and 2017 (before the survey year) was used to measure population exposure. A cataract was self-reports based on the medical record or the doctor's diagnosis and 8,071 older adults had cataract. Covariates included socio-demographic, health status, lifestyles, and chronic conditions. We adopted the Generalized estimation equation (GEE) model to analyze the associations of relative humidity and temperature with cataracts.ResultsWe found that the average relative humidity (OR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.98–0.99) in the past year was inversely associated with cataract likelihoods in older adults and a positive association between temperature (OR: 1.04; 95%CI: 1.03,1.05) in the past year and cataract likelihoods in older adults. The associations were robust in stratified analyses by sex, urban/rural residence, and education level. Furthermore, we found a nonlinear J-shaped relationship between temperature and cataract prevalence.ConclusionOur findings provide the evidence that higher temperature and low relative humidity may be associated with cataracts in older adults.

Central corneal thickness and its associations in a Russian population. The Ural eye and Medical Study

BackgroundTo assess central corneal thickness (CCT) and its associations in a Russian population.MethodsThe population-based Ural Eye and Medical Study included 5899 (80.5%) out of 7328 eligible individuals. As part of an ophthalmological and general examination, CCT was measured by Scheimflug imaging.ResultsThe study included 5792 (98.2%) participants (age:58.8 ± 10.6 years;range: 40–94 years) with available bilateral CCT measurements. Mean CCT was larger in Russians than non-Russians (549.5 ± 32.8 µm versus 539.2 ± 33.9 µm; P < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, thicker CCT was associated (regression coefficient r:0.43) with younger age (standardized regression coefficient beta:−0.09; non-standardized regression coefficient B:−0.29;95% confidence interval (CI):−0.39,−0.20; P < 0.001), male sex (beta:0.05; B:3.10; 95%CI:1.18,5.03; P = 0.002), urban region of habitation (beta:0.10; B:6.83; 95%CI:4.61, 9.05; P < 0.001), Russian ethnicity (beta:0.04; B:3.48; 95%CI:1.04, 5.91; P = 0.005), higher level of education (beta:0.04; B:0.97;95%CI:0.29,1.66; P = 0.006), higher serum bilirubin concentration (beta:0.05;B:0.15; 95%CI:0.07,0.23;P < 0.001), lower corneal refractive power (beta:−0.09;B:11.92; 95%CI:−2.50,−1.35; P < 0.001), smaller anterior chamber angle (beta:−0.07;B:−0.38;95%CI:−0.52,−0.24;P < 0.001), higher IOP readings (beta:0.38; B:3.47; 95%CI:3.21,3.73; P < 0.001), and higher rise in IOP readings by medical mydriasis (beta:0.07; B:0.88;95%CI:0.54,1.22;P < 0.001). In that model, CCT was not associated with body height (P = 0.14), previous cataract surgery (P = 0.10), axial length (P = 0.18) or prevalence of glaucoma (P = 0.11). The mean inter-eye difference in CCT was 8.52 ± 13.9 µm (median:6.0;95CI:8.16,8.88). A higher inter-eye CCT difference was associated with older age (beta:0.08; B:0.11;95%CI:0.07,0.15; P = 0.01), lower level of education (beta:−0.04;B:−0.34; 95%CI:−0.60,−0.08; P < 0.001) and status after cataract surgery (beta:0.04; B:2.92;95%CI:1.02,4.83; P = 0.003).Introduction conclusionsIn this ethnically mixed population from Russia with an age of 40+ years, mean CCT (541.7 ± 33.7 µm) was associated with parameters such as younger age, male sex, Russian ethnicity, and higher educational level. These associations may be taken into account when the dependence of IOP readings on CCT are considered. Glaucoma prevalence was unrelated to CCT.

Prevalence of cataract among Australian commercial airline pilots

Because little is known about cataract in pilots, we estimated prevalence by anonymously ascertaining all commercial airline pilots diagnosed with cataract 2011–2016 using the electronic Medical Records System of the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Of 14,163 Australian male commercial pilots licensed in 2011, 1286 aged ≥60 had biennial eye examinations showing a cataract prevalence of 11.6%. Among 12,877 pilots aged <60, based on compulsory eye examinations only when first licensed, prevalence was 0.5%. There was no significant difference by ambient ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels in state of residence though lowest prevalence was seen in the low-UV state of Victoria. Most cataract in pilots ≥60 years was bilateral and of mild severity, while cataract in pilots <60 were more likely to be unilateral and of greater severity.