Blinding Cataract in Thailand, 1994

Somchai Wongwetsawat, M.D.
Department of Ophthalmology, Maharat Nakonratchasima Hospital.

ABSTRACT Blinding cataract is avoidable and curable which is still be the burden of problem particularly in the developing country. The Third National survey on blindness and low vision conducted in 1994, used sample groups that were selected from the whole country. The groups were weighted on the basis of probability proportional to size. A total of 52 districts from 18 provinces, numbering 30,84 people were collected. For analysis of the survey data, the July 1, 1994 population figure was estimated by projecting the 1990 National population census figures.

The survey found that cataract was the most common cause of blindness and low vision. This study concluded that 70.75 % and 50.94 % of blinding cataract was illiterate and unemployed respectively. The regional prevalence of blinding cataract, the North ranked first followed by the South, the Central and lastly the Northeast with the rate of 5.77, 3.50, 3.16 and 1.69 per 1,000 respectively. The older age group the more affected, 94.34 % of blinding cataract was at or over 60. Age and sex specific prevalence in the whole country was 2.19 per 1,000. More females were affected when compared to males, rating 2.64 and 1.74 per 1,000 respectively.

Total estimated number of blinding cataract was 130,000 comprising of 80,000 females and 50,000 males approximately 

Thai J Ophthalmol 1996 ; July-December 10(2) : 125-134.