From the Research
India performs approximately 6 to 7 million cataract surgeries annually, making it one of the countries with the highest volume of such procedures worldwide. This high number reflects India's significant burden of cataract-related vision impairment and the country's extensive efforts to address this public health challenge. The National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCBVI) has been instrumental in scaling up cataract surgical services across the country 1. These surgeries are performed through various healthcare delivery models, including government hospitals, private facilities, and NGO-run eye camps that reach remote areas. The prevalence of cataracts in India is influenced by factors such as the large aging population, high ultraviolet light exposure, and diabetes prevalence. Most surgeries now utilize modern phacoemulsification techniques with intraocular lens implantation, though manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS) remains common in resource-limited settings due to its cost-effectiveness and good outcomes.
Some key points to consider:
- The cataract surgical rate (CSR) has been reported to vary significantly across different countries, with India being one of the countries with a high volume of cataract surgeries 1.
- The quality of cataract surgery and postoperative follow-up can have a significant impact on the outcome of cataract surgery, with good-quality surgery resulting in better visual outcomes and reduced complications 2.
- The number of cataract surgeries needed to eliminate cataract blindness in India is estimated to be around 9 million per year, highlighting the need for increased access to cataract surgical services 2.
- The use of modern phacoemulsification techniques and intraocular lens implantation has become more widespread in India, although MSICS remains a common technique in resource-limited settings 3.
Overall, the high volume of cataract surgeries in India reflects the country's efforts to address the significant burden of cataract-related vision impairment, and ongoing efforts are needed to improve access to good-quality cataract surgical services.