Socioeconomic factors in childhood cataracts - A descriptive study from a tertiary eye care center in India
Vasudha Kemmanu1, Aayesha Khanum, Ramesh Venkatesh
1Narayana Nethralya, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Insights
This study highlights gender inequality and delayed presentation in childhood cataracts, emphasizing the need for early detection through red reflex screening. Socioeconomic factors also play a crucial role in managing pediatric cataracts.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Public Health
Background:
- Childhood cataracts are a significant cause of preventable blindness.
- Limited research exists on the socioeconomic determinants of pediatric cataracts.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for effective intervention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate socioeconomic status, parental education and occupation, consanguinity, and gender inequality in children with cataracts.
- To identify factors contributing to delayed presentation and diagnosis of pediatric cataracts.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, descriptive, hospital-based study involving 68 children (0-18 years) with cataracts.
- Data collected included clinical parameters, surgical management, age, gender, age of symptom onset, parental consanguinity, socioeconomic class, and parental education/occupation.
- Statistical analysis was performed using MedCalc software.
Main Results:
- The study included 68 children with pediatric cataracts, 36 of which were bilateral.
- A significant proportion (44%) were in the 1-5 year age group, with males disproportionately affected in bilateral cases (69.44%).
- Delayed presentation was noted in 44.1% of cases, and a majority belonged to lower-middle and middle socioeconomic classes, with mothers often having undergraduate education.
Conclusions:
- Gender-based inequality and late presentation are evident in childhood cataracts.
- Mandatory red reflex screening is recommended for early detection.
- Further research is needed to address barriers to eye care access for girls, and socioeconomic status must be considered in management.
Purpose:
While there are a few studies that show the prevalence of blindness and ocular morbidity in children, studies on socioeconomic factors in childhood cataracts are scarce. We aimed to study the socioeconomic status, education and occupation of the parents, consanguinity, and gender inequality among children presenting with cataracts.
Methods:
This was a hospital-based, prospective, descriptive study of 68 children with cataracts (aged 0-18 years). In addition to the data on clinical parameters and surgical management, we also collected data on age, gender, age at which the chief complaint was noticed, consanguinity of parents, socioeconomic class, and occupation and education of parents. All statistical analyses were performed using MedCalc statistical software (MedCalc Software 2019, Ostend, Belgium).
Results:
Sixty-eight children with pediatric cataract, out of which 36 were bilateral, were studied. Thirty children (44%) were in the age group of 1-5 years. Out of the 36 bilateral cataracts, 25 (69.44%) were males and 11 (30.56%) were females. Thirty (44.1%) had a delayed presentation. Also, 31% belonged to middle class and 28% belonged to lower middle class. Moreover, 65% of the mothers had an undergraduate education.
Conclusion:
There is a gender-based inequality and late presentation of childhood cataracts. To improve early detection, red reflex screening should be mandatorily done. Further studies are required to identify barriers to access of eye care specific to girls, in order to plan interventions to improve uptake of treatment. The lower socioeconomic status of the patients should be taken into account in the management of this disease.
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