A population-based estimate of cataract prevalence: the Melbourne Visual Impairment Project experience

Abstract

Limited population-based information is available on the prevalence of cataract in developed countries including Australia. Cataract accounts for nearly half of all blindness and remains the most prevalent cause of blindness worldwide. Currently, there is no proven means of preventing cataract. An increased understanding of the dimensions of the problem of cataract blindness within the community is therefore essential. Several population-based studies are now under way in Australia which will provide valuable information on the distribution, determinants and types of lens opacities within urban and rural settings. These studies have public health relevance in the investigation of disease prevalence, associated risk factors, planning of eye health care services, community education and preventive programs. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of cataract types from a representative sample of the Melbourne Visual Impairment Project (MVIP), a population-based epidemiological study.