Prevalence of Pediatric Cataract in Asia

Abstract

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.

From Bright to Brightness: Mastering the Management of Bilateral Congenital Cataracts

“…[2,4] Genetic cataracts account for 8-29% of all congenital cataracts, with autosomal dominant inheritance being the most frequent. Many professionals advise genetic counseling when evaluating congenital cataracts [5,9] A white patch, or leukocoria, will be noticed on physical examination of the pupils of infants with congenital cataracts [4,10]. At that moment, the child's visual function is the blink reflex, which should be able to follow the light employed as a source of stimulus (fix and follow the light) [11].…”

“…In developed countries, congenital cataracts occur in 1-6 out of 10,000 live births, while in developing countries it is between 5-15 out of 10,000 births [4]. The approximate pooled prevalence of cataracts in children either due to congenital or developmental factors in Indonesia was 0.60, Bangladesh was 0.92, Iran was 1.47, Bhutan was 2.01, China was 3.68, Thailand was 4.27, India was 4.47, Malaysia was 5.33, Nepal was 5.42, Vietnam was 9.34, and Cambodia was 10.86 [5].…”

A comparative study on intraoperative complication with posterior vitrectorhexis versus forcepsorhexis before implantation of intraocular lens in children.

“…However, if the opacity is small or located in the peripheral part of the crystalline lens, it is deemed visually insignificant. 3,4 The visual system in children is underdeveloped, and if a visually significant cataract is not treated, it can lead to amblyopia. The surgical approach for pediatric cataract is distinct from that of adults, with a focus on addressing posterior capsular opacification and preventing amblyopia.…”