Epidemiology of cataract surgeries in Hooghly district of West Bengal – India

Abstract

Background Blindness is a major public health problem. Major causes of blindness are cataract (62.6%), refractive error (19.7%), glaucoma (5.8%) and corneal pathologies (0.9%). National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB) is a centrally sponsored programme with goal to reduce the prevalence of blindness from 1.4% to 0.3% by 2020. Objective Present study was conducted to describe the epidemiology of cataract surgeries done in Hooghly district and to identify the strengths and gaps. Materials and Methods A secondary analysis was done on NPCB data on cataract surgery. Data was collected from all 5 governmental hospitals, NGOs and private hospitals of Hooghly district. Data from year 2006–07 to 201011 was collected and compared. Results During the study period there were 2860 registered blinds in Hooghly district, so the blindness prevalence rate was 0.06 percent. The target of cataract surgery was 23000 and achievement was 23951(104.1%). Out of total 23951 cataract surgeries done, more than 50% were from NGO sector followed by Private and Government sector. More than 99% surgeries were done with IOL. Conclusions and Recommendations As per the strategy of NPCB, role of NGOs and private sectors are increasing gradually. Intense IEC activities are necessary to increase public awareness.