Outcomes of cataract surgery: implications for the developing world.
Cataract surgery has virtually eliminated cataract blindness in the developed world. However, in the economically developing areas of the world it is a staggering and escalating problem where it is the leading cause of blindness affecting 16-20 million people. Outcomes research has clearly shown that modern cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation is a safe and effective means of restoring visual function and improving vision-related quality of life. Several recent developments provide hope in the global fight against cataract blindness: decrease in the cost of modern surgery; available models of infrastructure development; and a global plan for the elimination of avoidable blindness.
Khadem
M
M
Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA.
D001766:Blindness / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000191:economics; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D003906:Developing Countries; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011788:Quality of Life; D012449:Safety; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014785:Vision, Ocular / Q000502:physiology