PubMed ID: 12414414
Author(s): Klein BE, Klein R, Lee KE. Incidence of age-related cataract over a 10-year interval: the Beaver Dam Eye Study. Ophthalmology. 2002 Nov;109(11):2052-7. PMID 12414414
Journal: Ophthalmology, Volume 109, Issue 11, Nov 2002
UNLABELLED OBJECTIVE OR PURPOSE: To describe the cumulative incidence of age-related cataracts and cataract surgery over a 10-year interval.
DESIGN Prospective epidemiologic study.
PARTICIPANTS Persons 43 to 86 years of age participating in the Beaver Dam Eye Study (n = 4926 at baseline, 2764 for baseline, 5-year and 10-year follow-ups).
METHODS Questionnaires and examinations were performed according to standardized protocols in a clinic setting in the town of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. Lens photographs were obtained with specially modified cameras and were graded according to codified rules by trained graders.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Nuclear, cortical, and posterior subcapsular cataracts and cataract surgery.
RESULTS In right eyes, incident nuclear cataract occurred in 19.4%, cortical cataract in 17.4%, posterior subcapsular cataract in 6.1%, and cataract surgery in 10.8%. Incidence increased for all end points with age. Women had significantly higher incidences of nuclear cataract and cataract surgery than men. Time trends seem to be influencing the incidence of cataract surgery.
CONCLUSIONS Age-related cataracts are common events in aging. Age-specific cataract surgery incidence seems to be increasing.