Epidemiology of cataract in childhood: a global perspective

J Cataract Refract Surg. 1997:23 Suppl 1:601-4. doi: 10.1016/s0886-3350(97)80040-5.

Abstract

Cataract is the most important cause of treatable childhood blindness. There are an estimated 200,000 children blind from cataract worldwide; 20,000 to 40,000 children with developmental bilateral cataract are born each year. Rubella is still an important cause of preventable disease in many countries. In the developing world, there is a need to improve early case detection and referral services and to establish centers with expertise in the assessment, surgical treatment, and long-term management of the child with cataract.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Blindness / etiology
  • Cataract / epidemiology*
  • Cataract / etiology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Developed Countries / statistics & numerical data
  • Developing Countries / statistics & numerical data
  • Global Health
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Prevalence
  • Rubella / complications
  • Rubella / prevention & control