ArticleThe British journal of ophthalmology2026
Global trends in cataract burden: a 30-year epidemiological analysis and prediction of 2050 from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study.
Article in The British journal of ophthalmology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 7 papers, 2 of them syntheses that pooled it.
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Who cites it
7 citing papers in PubMed, 2 syntheses or guidelines pooled it.
- Physical activity and the risk of cataract and age-related macular degeneration: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies.BMC ophthalmology · 2026Pooled it
- Impact of extended reality (XR) simulation on ophthalmology training outcomes: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.Frontiers in medicine · 2026Pooled it
- Curcumin Nanoemulsion: Characterization and Effect on Cataracts in an In Vivo Animal Model and Ex Vivo Human Model.Biomolecules · 2026Article
- Risk of Age-Related Ocular Diseases in Non-Diabetic Adults With Obesity Using Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists.Diabetes, obesity & metabolism · 2026Article
- Global, regional, and national cataract burden attributable to household air pollution and smoking (1990-2021) and projection to 2050.Frontiers in public health · 2026Article
- Efficacy evaluation and predictive value of IL-20 and Apelin-13 after cataract surgery by phacoemulsification combined with IOL implantation.Frontiers in medicine · 2025Article
- Cataract: Surgery first - is there still room for basic research?Advances in ophthalmology practice and researchReview
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Authors and funding
7 authors.
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No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
BACKGROUND/
aimsCataracts remain the leading cause of global blindness, particularly among ageing populations. This study evaluates the evolving burden of cataracts from 1990 to 2021, examines gender and socioeconomic disparities, assesses key risk factors and projects trends to 2050.
methodsData from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 database were systematically analysed across 204 countries, 21 regions and 5 sociodemographic index (SDI) levels. Indicators, including cataract prevalence, age-standardised prevalence rates, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) and age-standardised DALY rates (ASDR), were assessed. Decomposition analysis quantified the impacts of population growth, ageing and healthcare improvements, while Bayesian age-period-cohort models forecast trends to 2050. Joinpoint regression identified temporal trends, and health inequality metrics evaluated disparities. Risk factor contributions, such as air pollution, high BMI and metabolic risks, were also analysed.
resultsGlobal cataract prevalence increased significantly due to aging and population growth, while ASDR decreased, reflecting improved disease management. Disparities persist, with South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa bearing the highest burden due to limited surgical access, and females consistently exhibiting higher cataract burdens. Key contributors included air pollution and metabolic disorders, particularly in low-SDI regions. Predictions indicate a continued rise in global cataract cases and DALYs by 2050 under current demographic and epidemiological trends.
conclusionsThis study highlights persistent inequities in cataract burden and underscores the urgent need for tailored prevention, equitable surgical access and policies addressing ageing populations and modifiable risks to manage the rise in global cataract cases by 2050. Future policies should focus on improving surgical accessibility in low-SDI regions, enhancing chronic disease prevention and leveraging technological advancements for early detection and treatment.
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