Temporal and Spatial Characteristics of Cataract Surgery Rates in China

Abstract

Objective The aim of the current study was to explore the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of registered cases of cataract surgery in China from 2013 to 2017. Methods A database for spatial analysis of cataract surgery in China in 2013–2017 was established using ArcGIS10.0 software as a platform for data management and presentation. Spatial autocorrelation analysis of cataract surgery was undertaken, and temporal and spatial scan analysis was done using SaTScan 9.5 software. Results From 2013 to 2017, annual cataract surgery rates (CSRs) in China were 1200, 1400, 1782, 2070, and 2205 per 1 million population, indicating a gradually increasing trend. Local Moran’s I autocorrelation analysis showed that there was spatial clustering of CSR in China, with Anhui being a low-high clustering region. Findings of global hotspot analysis Getis-Ord General G showed that General G index of national CSR was <0.01, Z = 1.12, P = 0.26. Findings of staged spatial-temporal scan analysis indicated that 18 areas of aggregation were found in 2 stages. Observed differences in each clustering area were statistically significant ( P < 0.05). Conclusion CSRs in China showed increasing trend year by year and were randomly distributed, with spatial clustering, and Anhui was reported as a low-high clustering region. However, high-risk areas still persist, requiring focused attention and targeted prevention and control measures.

Progress on application of spatial epidemiology in ophthalmology

“…In addition, Wu et al established that GIS uses its spatial analysis to show spatial clustering of cataract surgeries in China, with Anhui province being a low-high clustering region. Furthermore, spatial autocorrelation analysis indicated that the distribution status of cataract surgery rates (CSR) in different regions of China also showed some spatial heterogeneity ( 21 ). The spatial map clearly demonstrated the high-risk areas with low CSR in China and provided a reference for the government or blindness prevention organizations to conduct targeted prevention and control measures to strengthen the prevention and treatment of cataract blindness.…”

“…In spatial epidemiology, spatial and temporal trends of disease can be dynamically described by the SaTScan software. In order to compensate for the shortcoming of spatial autocorrelation analysis lacking the size and extent of agglomeration, Wu et al applied staged spatial and temporal scan analysis to registered cases of cataract surgery in 2013–2017 in China and found there were 18 areas of aggregation in two stages (2013–2015 and 2016–2017), and statistically significant differences in each area of aggregation with a particularly clear scope of aggregation ( 21 ). From 2013 to 2017, a gradual decrease in area aggregation was observed in the staged spatiotemporal scans, which showed cataract surgery prevention and control work has made some progress in China ( 21 ).…”

The Peter Watson Memorial Lecture “Vision for the World”

“…The prevalence of blindness from cataract dropped by 39%, although the number blind had increased by 16% [ 6 ]. The cataract surgery rate in India for example had increased sixfold over a decade [ 7 ], and there was a similar change in China [ 8 ]. So there was a great improvement in service delivery, but there was still a long way to go.…”