Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40069427›Full record

ArticleEye (London, England)2025

Global prevalence and years lived with disability (YLDs) of cataract in 204 countries and territories: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.

Min Li, Wenchang Jia, Jianling Song, Jiayi Ma, Yanping Zhou, Yan Han, Minghui Peng, Jing Zhou, Xiangwu Chen, Xiaopan Li

Abstract read
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In one paragraph

Article in Eye (London, England), 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 7 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
7citing papers in PubMed, 1 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

7 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.

  1. Pooled it
  2. Human Crystallin Variation and Cataract.Investigative ophthalmology & visual science · 2026
    Review
  3. Article
  4. Article
  5. Article
  6. Article
  7. Burden and Trends of Nasopharyngeal Cancer Among Younger People in the Western Pacific Region, 1990 to 2021: Findings from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease Study.Journal of otolaryngology - head & neck surgery = Le Journal d'oto-rhino-laryngologie et de chirurgie cervico-faciale
    Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

10 authors.

Min Li *Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6162-7742
Wenchang Jia *Department of Health Management Centre, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0009-2478-2880
Jianling Song *Department of General Practice, Changfeng Community Health Service Center, Changfeng Street, Putuo District, Shanghai, China.
Jiayi Ma *The Fifth Clinical College of Medical, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan, China.
Yanping ZhouDepartment of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8503-4669
Yan HanDepartment of Health Management Centre, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Minghui PengDepartment of Health Management Centre, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Jing ZhouDepartment of Health Management Centre, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Xiangwu ChenDepartment of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China. chen.xiangwu@zs-hospital.sh.cn.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3232-2875
Xiaopan LiDepartment of Health Management Centre, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. xiaopanli0224@126.com.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9625-478X

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundCataracts, the leading cause of blindness globally, significantly impair vision and quality of life, particularly among the elderly. Despite advancements in cataract surgery, challenges in accessibility and economic disparities hinder the reduction of cataract burden, especially in low-income regions. This study examines the global prevalence and years lived with disability (YLDs) due to cataracts from 1990 to 2021, providing insights to inform public health strategies.

methodsUtilizing data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021, we analysed cataract prevalence and YLDs across 204 countries and territories. The estimates were stratified by age, sex, region, and Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) and compared across different time periods. Age-standardized rates (ASRs) and average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) were calculated to evaluate trends.

resultsFrom 1990 to 2021, the global YLDs due to cataracts increased from 3.42 million to 6.55 million, a 91.8% rise. Most countries exhibited an increase in YLDs, with notable surges in low-SDI regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The AAPC for age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) was slightly positive globally, while the age-standardized YLD rate (ASYR) showed a decreasing trend, indicating improved cataract management. High-SDI regions experienced minor ASPR increases but significant ASYR reductions, reflecting effective interventions. Conversely, low-SDI regions saw declines in both ASPR and ASYR, though disparities persisted.

conclusionThe burden of cataracts remains substantial, with significant increases in YLDs driven by aging populations and improved diagnostic capabilities. Effective management strategies have reduced ASYRs, particularly in high-SDI regions. Addressing cataract burden in low-SDI regions requires enhanced healthcare access, targeted public health interventions, and global support. These findings underscore the need for continued investment in cataract prevention and treatment to mitigate the global impact.

Indexed as

CataractPersons with DisabilitiesAdolescentAdultAgedAged, 80 and overAge DistributionChild, PreschoolDisability-Adjusted Life YearsFemaleGlobal Burden of DiseaseGlobal HealthHumansMaleMiddle AgedPrevalence

Identifiers

PMID40069427
PMCPMC12130311

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.