Childhood cataract study published

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.