Abstract
Purpose: :
In developing countries aging populations are making an impact in regard to the number of cataract surgeries needed to prevent blindness or visual impairment. The purpose of this study was to compare the number of surgeries in all Argentinean provinces between 2001 and 2008 to identify changes and trends with the aim of helping the authorities for better planning.
Methods: :
Data for cataract surgeries in the public and private sectors were supplied by one or more ophthalmologists from each province, some of whom had already participated in the 2001 study. Preliminary estimates were obtained; final estimates will be cross-checked against intraocular lens market data for 2008.
Results: :
For the entire country, the number of cataract surgeries increased by 49% from 62,739 in 2001 to 93,632 in 2008, with increases in every province except Chubut. Because the population also increased by 9.4% during the same time period, the cataract surgery rate (CSR) increased modestly from 1744 to 2379 per million population. While a few provinces showed a decrease in the CSR (Cordoba, Tierra del Fuego, Rio Negro, and Chubut), large increases were observed in 7 other provinces. The percentage of public surgeries as a percentage of all surgeries also increased from 9.2 to 15.7%, with notable increases in Buenos Aires/CABA, La Pampa, Rio Negro, Misiones, Salta, and Formosa provinces, and substantial decreases in Neuquen, San Juan, San Luis, Santa Cruz, Chubut, Jujuy, Corrientes, and Chaco. In the absence of recent cataract surgery coverage data, to identify provinces with potential problems, the percentage increase in the population aged 65 years or more (those at high risk for developing cataract) was plotted versus the percentage increase in cataract surgeries. The results showed that 5 provinces may not be keeping up with the incidence of new cases.
Conclusions: :
For the first time this countrywide survey provides an entire picture in regard to trends in cataract surgery and the data can be used by public health agencies to determine where to concentrate resources.
Keywords: cataract • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: biostatistics/epidemiology methodology • aging