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Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Characterization of Molecular Mechanisms of In vivo UVR Induced Cataract
Published on: November 28, 2012
The incidence of cataract in India is an overestimate
Background:
Data obtained from surveys using distant direct ophthalmoscopy (DDO) with an undilated pupil for the detection of cataracts suggest an annual incidence of 3.8 million cataracts and over 9 million cataract-blind people in India today.
Method:
We recalculated the projections after adjusting for the sensitivity and specificity of DDO.
Results:
Our calculations suggest that the incidence of cataract may have been overestimated by approximately 60%; corroborative evidence is provided.
Conclusions:
The specificity and sensitivity of diagnostic tests used in surveys may distort the projected figures and have adverse implications for the planning of services.
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