Cataract in a rural Sri Lankan population.
Date
2010
Authors
Athanasiov, Paul Alexander
Editors
Advisors
Casson, Robert James
Selva-Nayagam, Dinesh Niranjan
Sullivan, Thomas Richard
Selva-Nayagam, Dinesh Niranjan
Sullivan, Thomas Richard
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Thesis
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Abstract
The aims of this study are to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for cataract, the cataract surgical coverage (CSC) and self-reported barriers to cataract surgery in a rural region of central the Kandy District of central Sri Lanka.
A population-based, cross-sectional ophthalmic survey of the inhabitants of rural villages in central Sri Lanka was conducted; 1375 individuals participated (79.9%; age >/= 40 years, average age 57) and 1318 (95.9%) had an examinable lens in at least one eye. Data collection included district, age, gender, occupation, education level, smoking history, height, weight and dilated lens assessment using Lens Opacities Classification System III grading: nuclear (≥4), cortical (≥2) and posterior subcapsular (≥2) cataracts. Aphakic and pseudophakic eyes were included as operated cataracts for
statistical analysis. Participants with cataract-induced visual impairment (acuity < 6/18 in the better eye) were also invited to respond to a verbal questionnaire about barriers to cataract surgery.
The prevalence of any cataract including operated eyes was 33.1% (95% CI, 22.4 – 43.7%): 26.0% cortical; 7.9% posterior sub-capsular and 4.5% nuclear cataracts. No significant association was found between cataract and gender, smoking or outdoor occupation. Low level of education (secondary or higher vs no education: OR 0.6, CI 0.4-0.9, P=0.04) and shorter stature were
associated with a higher likelihood of any cataract. (OR 1.7, CI 1.1-2.7, P=0.02) Cataract surgical coverage per individual for visual acuity cut-offs of <6/18, <6/60 and <3/60 was 41.9%, 76.8% and 82.7%, respectively; and per eye was 34.0%, 60.3% and 65.2%, respectively. Cataract surgical coverage was higher for men than women, and two thirds refused referral for surgery, for the following reasons: no desire to improve vision, fear of surgery and lack of awareness were the most frequently reported barriers.
The overall prevalence of cataract in central Sri Lanka is similar to that in other developing Asian regions except for the unusually low prevalence of nuclear cataract. Illiteracy and height appear to be significant predictors for cataract in this population and further investigation is required to explore their
influence. Cataract surgical coverage in central Sri Lanka is higher than that in neighbouring developing regions, however improved community education may further increase surgical uptake.
School/Discipline
School of Medicine
Dissertation Note
Thesis (M.Opht.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Medicine, 2010
Provenance
Copyright material removed from digital thesis. See print copy in University of Adelaide Library for full text.