The incidence of cataract in India is an overestimate.
BACKGROUND: Data obtained from surveys using distant direct ophthalmoscopy (DDO) with an undilated pupil for the detection of cataracts suggest an annual incidence of 3.8 million cataracts and over 9 million cataract-blind people in India today. METHOD: We recalculated the projections after adjusting for the sensitivity and specificity of DDO. RESULTS: Our calculations suggest that the incidence of cataract may have been overestimated by approximately 60%; corroborative evidence is provided. CONCLUSIONS: The specificity and sensitivity of diagnostic tests used in surveys may distort the projected figures and have adverse implications for the planning of services.
Cataract↗