There are around 314,000 new childhood cataract cases every year, according to a study by City University of London.
The study, which is the first worldwide systematic review of its kind, found there are still substantial gaps in the knowledge of childhood cataract prevalence and incidence, particularly from low income economies.
Cataract is one of the most common causes of blindness and severe visual impairment in children and is responsible for as much as 20% of paediatric blindness worldwide.
Current lack of specific knowledge of prevalence and incidence rates in many countries prevents adequate identification, policy and treatment of the disease, according to the authors.
‘Our new review has highlighted substantial gaps in the epidemiological knowledge of childhood cataract worldwide that urgently needs to be addressed.’ said Sheeladevi Sethu, a PhD scholar in ophthalmic public health at City, University of London. ‘More studies are needed using standardised definitions and methods with large enough sample sizes, as these estimates could then inform policy decisions to prioritise funding of programs.’
