[A survey of the current status and distribution of cataract in the elderly]

To study the current status and distribution of cataract in the ageing population.

A total number of 8,252 elderly aged 60 years and above in the urban and rural areas of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi'an and Shenyang were studied, using cluster random sampling methods.

The crude and adjusted rates of cataract prevalence in the elderly were found to be 46.8% and 42.8% respectively. However, the self-reported crude prevalence was 19.7% with only 42.1% of that shown by medical examination. The prevalence rates increased with ageing (P < 0.01), to have shown 27.9%, 41.3%, 53.2%, 67.5% and 68.0% in the age groups of 60-, 65-, 70-, 75-, 80-, 85- years old respectively (P < 0.01). There was difference in the prevalence among areas, with highest (77.9%) in the urban areas in Guangzhou and in the rural areas in Beijing (67.3%) (P < 0.01). The prevalence differed in gender as well: higher in women (49.1%, adjusted) than in men (35.6%, adjusted). Logistic regression analysis showed that the crude prevalence was correlated with ageing, profession and area (P respective < 0.01).

The prevalence of cataract was high in the elderly and increased with ageing with differences in areas, and professions. It was low when self-reporting shown by medical examination, suggesting prevention and treatment of cataract in the elderly be strengthened.