Prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of congenital cataract: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Congenital cataract (CC) is the primary cause of treatable childhood blindness worldwide. The establishment of reliable, epidemiological estimates is an essential first step towards management strategies. We undertook an initial systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence and other epidemiological characteristics of CC. PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched before January 2015. A meta-analysis with random-effects model based on a proportions approach was performed to determine the population-based prevalence of CC and to describe the data regarding the laterality, morphology, associated comorbidities and etiology. Heterogeneity was analyzed using the meta-regression method, and subgroup analyses were performed. 27 studies were selected from 2,610 references. The pooled prevalence estimate was 4.24 per 10,000 people, making it a rare disease based on WHO standards. Subgroup analyses revealed the highest CC prevalence in Asia, and an increasing prevalence trend through 2000. Other epidemiological characteristics showed CC tended to be bilateral, isolated, hereditary and in total/nuclear morphology. Huge heterogeneity was identified across most estimates (I2 > 75%). Most of the variations could be explained by sample size, research period and age at diagnosis. The findings provide suggestions for etiology of CC, improvements in screening techniques and development of public health strategies.

Accuracy of intraocular lens power calculation formulas in long eyes: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…23,24 Sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis were performed to investigate the possible source of heterogeneity when the I 2 value was greater than 50% and at least five studies were included. The odds ratio (OR) was calculated to estimate the percentage of eyes within AE0.50D of prediction error.…”

“…The random-effect model was applied when the I 2 value was greater than 50%, which indicated the existence of substantial heterogeneities among studies; otherwise, the fixed-effect model was used. 23,24 Sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis were performed to investigate the possible source of heterogeneity when the I 2 value was greater than 50% and at least five studies were included. Funnel plots and egger's test were performed to evaluate the publication bias and small-study effect.…”

Application of machine learning in ophthalmic imaging modalities

“…Slit-lamp images are essential in the diagnosis of congenital cataracts, a major cause of childhood blindness [101][102][103]. Compared with senile cataract, the phenotype of congenital cataract is far more complicated.…”

Factors influencing intraocular pressure, corneal thickness and corneal biomechanics after congenital cataract surgery

“…Congenital cataracts are the most common cause of treatable childhood blindness and low vision and account for 2 00 000 cases of bilateral blindness in children worldwide 1. Despite recent improvements in surgical instruments and techniques, aphakic glaucoma is one of the most important vision-threatening complications of congenital cataract surgery, with an incidence of 6%–41% in patients who undergo surgery within the first year of life 2 3.…”