The epidemiology of cataract in Australia

Abstract

PURPOSE:To describe the prevalence and risk factors for cataract in an Australian population aged 40 years and older.METHODS:Participants were recruited by a household census and stratified, random cluster sampling to represent residents of Victoria, Australia, aged 40 years and older. The following information was collected: initial visual acuity and best-corrected visual acuity, demographic details, health history, dietary intake of antioxidants, lifetime ocular ultraviolet B exposure, and clinical eye examination, including lens photography. Cortical opacities were measured in sixteenths. Cortical cataract was defined as opacity greater than or equal to 4/16 of pupil circumference. Nuclea..