Pediatric Cataracts in Asia: A Systematic Review of Prevalence Study

Abstract

Background: Cataracts are a global health concern, particularly as the leading cause of reversible blindness, affecting over 95 million people as of 2014. Pediatric cataracts, though less common than adult cases, contribute significantly to childhood blindness, with congenital or developmental cataracts occurring in 2 to 4 cases per 10,000 people. However, despite the importance of this condition, epidemiological data, especially in Asian populations, remains limited.  Methods: This systematic review follows PRISMA 2020 guidelines to analyze studies on the prevalence of pediatric cataracts in Asian countries. Results: Five studies from Indonesia, Bhutan, South China, Bangladesh, and India were included in the analysis. The prevalence of pediatric cataracts varied, with Indonesia showing 0.07 cases per 1,000 children, Bhutan showing high refractive error issues, and South China presenting 42.9% of pediatric blindness as preventable. The findings revealed significant variability in cataract prevalence, with socioeconomic factors, healthcare access, and nutrition playing critical roles in childhood blindness across the region.  Conclusion: This review emphasizes the urgent need for better data collection and public health interventions to reduce the burden of childhood cataracts in Asia. Early diagnosis and access to timely interventions, especially in low-resource settings, are crucial for preventing avoidable blindness in children.