Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 16, 2026
Characterization of Molecular Mechanisms of In vivo UVR Induced Cataract
Published on: November 28, 2012
Global prevalence of childhood cataract: a systematic review
S Sheeladevi1, J G Lawrenson1, A R Fielder1
1Centre for Public Health Research, Division of Optometry and Visual Science, School of Health Sciences, City University London, London, UK.
Insights
Childhood cataract, a leading cause of preventable vision loss, has a global prevalence ranging from 0.32 to 22.9 per 10,000 children. More research is needed, especially in low-income countries, to understand its full impact.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Childhood cataract is a significant, yet avoidable, cause of visual disability globally.
- It is a key focus area for VISION 2020: The Right to Sight initiative.
- Current data on the global burden of childhood cataract is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and assess the global prevalence and incidence of childhood cataract.
- To identify gaps in the epidemiological knowledge of this condition.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
- Searched Cochrane Library, Medline, and Embase up to January 2015 for studies on childhood cataract prevalence/incidence.
- Included 20 prevalence and 4 incidence studies, assessing study quality.
Main Results:
- Overall childhood cataract prevalence ranged from 0.32 to 22.9/10,000 children (median 1.03).
- Congenital cataract prevalence ranged from 0.63 to 9.74/10,000 (median 1.71); incidence was 1.8 to 3.6/10,000 annually.
- Prevalence was similar in low-income (0.42-2.05/10,000) and high-income (0.63-13.6/10,000) economies, with no difference by laterality or gender.
Conclusions:
- Substantial gaps exist in the worldwide epidemiological knowledge of childhood cataract.
- Further research with standardized methods is crucial, particularly in low and lower-middle-income economies.
- Understanding the true burden is essential for effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Abstract:
Childhood cataract is an avoidable cause of visual disability worldwide and is a priority for VISION 2020: The Right to Sight. There is a paucity of information about the burden of cataract in children and the aim of this review is to assess the global prevalence of childhood cataract. The methodology for the review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We performed a literature search for studies reporting estimates of prevalence or incidence of cataract among children (aged<18 years) at any global location using the Cochrane Library, Medline and Embase up to January 2015. No restrictions were imposed based on language or year of publication. Study quality was assessed using a critical appraisal tool designed for systematic reviews of prevalence. Twenty prevalence and four incidence studies of childhood cataract from five different geographical regions were included. The overall prevalence of childhood cataract and congenital cataract was in the range from 0.32 to 22.9/10000 children (median=1.03) and 0.63 to 9.74/10000 (median=1.71), respectively. The incidence ranged from 1.8 to 3.6/10000 per year. The prevalence of childhood cataract in low-income economies was found to be 0.42 to 2.05 compared with 0.63 to 13.6/10000 in high-income economies. There was no difference in the prevalence based on laterality or gender. This review highlights substantial gaps in the epidemiological knowledge of childhood cataract worldwide, particularly from low and lower middle-income economies. More studies are needed using standard definitions and case ascertainment methods with large enough sample sizes.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...