Evolution of Cataract Surgery in Pakistan over the Past Four Decades

Doi: 10.36351/pjo.v41i2.2019

Abstract

Cataract is one of the leading causes of reversible blindness worldwide.¹ In Pakistanreversible blindnessdue to cataract remains the leading cause due to increase in aging population, poverty and comparatively lesser surgical facilities.²The prevalence of cataract blindness was higher in women than men (1.80% versus 1.67%, p<0.001). The prevalence of cataract causing <6/60 in eyes was 5.0% (95% CI 4.7%, 5.2%), which projects to an estimated 3 560 000 eyes with a visual acuity of <6/60 caused by cataract in Pakistan (year 2003). This number was projected to increase to 7380 000 by the year 2020.³