Indications for cataract surgery in a Danish county 1980 and 1990

From 1980 to 1990 the number of cataract extractions in our department increased from 268 to 827, i.e. 209% within the same referral area. A review was made to see if the indications for cataract extraction had changed in that period. The increase in frequency of cataract extractions was statistically significant in all age groups except males aged 60-69. The increase was most noticeable in the older age groups. Preoperative visual activities were moderately higher in 1990 compared with 1980. The frequency of second eye surgery did not change in the period. Females had in 1980 as in 1990 a higher frequency of cataract extractions than males in all age groups > 60 years.