Global, regional, and national burden of cataract: A comprehensive analysis and projections from 1990 to 2021

OBJECTIVE: Cataract is the most prevalent cause of blindness. Surgery remains the only effective and widely accepted treatment; early diagnosis and intervention can significantly prevent blindness. Hence,Understanding the current epidemiological status of cataract is crucial for formulating better healthcare policies and effectively preventing blindness due to cataract. DESIGN: This study utilizes Global burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 data to conduct an in-depth analysis of the burden of cataract from 1990 to 2021, including gender disparities, risk factors, and the relationship between Socio-Demographic index (SDI) and disease burden. Additionally, we performed a frontier analysis of Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) due to cataract from 1990 to 2021. Finally, we used the BAPC model to project the burden of cataract by gender from 2022 to 2030. RESULTS: The study revealed that the global burden of cataract remains significant. Worldwide, the Estimate Annual Percentage Change (EAPC) for cataract prevalence was 0.2117([95% CI] 0.1172-0.3063); the EAPC for cataract DALYs is -0.4798([95%CI] -0.5766--0.3828). Predominantly affecting females, individuals aged 50 and older, and those in medium-low and low SDI regions. Furthermore, the Bayesian Age-Period-Cohort (BAPC) model forecast a gradual decline in the global burden of cataract over the next nine years. CONCLUSION: This study utilized GBD 2021 to provide an in-depth analysis of the current global disease burden of cataracts. The results showed that although the Age-Standardized Rate (ASR) of DALYs decreased, the overall cataract Number still showed an increasing trend from 1990 to 2021 and 2022-2030.