Cataract subtype risk factors identified from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination survey 2008–2010

Abstract

BackgroundTo assess the socio-demographic and health-related risk factors associated with cataract subtypes in Korea.MethodsA total of 11,591 participants (aged ≥40 years) were selected from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2008 and 2010. The Korean Ophthalmologic Society conducted detailed ophthalmologic examinations on these participants based on the Lens Opacity Classification System III. Risk factors for developing any type of cataract, and its subtypes (nuclear, cortical, posterior subcapsular and mixed), were identified from univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe prevalence of cataracts was 40.1% (95% CI, 37.8 − 42.3%) in participants over 40 years old. Older age, lower monthly household income, lower education, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus (DM) were independent risk factors for development of any cataract. Older age, lower monthly household income, lower education, hypercholesterolemia, and DM were independent risk factors for development of pure cortical cataracts. Older age, lower education, metabolic syndrome, and DM were independent risk factors for development of pure nuclear cataracts. Older age and DM were independent risk factors for development of pure posterior subcapsular cataracts. Older age, lower monthly household income, lower education, and DM were independent risk factors for development of mixed cataracts.ConclusionAlthough socioeconomic disparities are related to cataract development, this study identified several “modifiable” risk factors that may help to lower the incidence of cataracts and associated vision loss. Improved control of blood pressure, blood, glucose, and cholesterol may help to reduce the incidence of cataracts in the general Korean population.

Age-Related Cataract Is Associated with Elevated Serum Immunoglobulin E Levels in the South Korean Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Therefore, it is uncertain whether our results are relevant to other ethnic groups. Third, slit lamp examinations were performed by many different investigators, and an inter-observer variation could have been introduced, as already discussed in a previous study that used KNHANES data [44]. Despite this limitation, examinations were adequately performed by trained investigators, and risk factors associated with cataract were identified at a nation-wide level.…”

Cataract frequency and subtypes involved in workers assessed for their solar radiation exposure: a systematic review

“…Another study conducted in workers, but without a control group, was also considered (Cherian et al 2015). Four cross-sectional studies were conducted across relatively large samples of the general adult population to evaluate cataract risk factors (Burton et al 1997;Athanasiov et al 2008Athanasiov et al , 2010Rim et al 2014). In total, eight studies were conducted in groups of patients with cataract (Ughade et al 1998;Neale et al 2003;Mukesh et al 2006;Saadat & Farvardin-Jahromi 2006;Pastor-Valero et al 2007;Echebiri et al 2010;Theodoropoulou et al 2011;Zarei et al 2015).…”

Association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and age-related cataracts

“…[22][23][24][25][26] Briefly, ophthalmology residents performed comprehensive slitlamp eye examinations using a BQ 900 slitlamp (Haag-Streit AG). The standard Lens Opacities Classification Systems III (LOCS III) was used to assess cataracts.…”