Significant improvements in cataract treatment and persistent inequalities in access to cataract surgery among older Poles from 2009 to 2019

Results of the PolSenior and PolSenior2 surveys

Bibliographic Data

ID22080765
AuthorsNatalia Lange (0000-0001-6131-9857, Gdańsk Medical University, corresponding author), Hanna Kujawska‐Danecka (0000-0002-1416-620X, Gdańsk Medical University), Hanna Kujawska-Danecka, Adam Wyszomirski (0000-0002-6293-1439, Gdańsk Medical University), Klaudia Suligowska (0000-0002-8443-6316, Gdańsk Medical University), Adrian Lange (Gdańsk Medical University), Dorota Raczyńska (0000-0003-4992-854X), Justyna Jędrychowska-Jamborska, Małgorzata Mossakowska (0000-0002-9340-3188, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology)
Year2023
Volume11
Pages1201689-1201689
Publication date2023-10-10
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2023.1201689
PMID37900022
OpenAlexW4387568940
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited26

Background and aims: Cataract is the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness among older adults worldwide, that can be corrected through surgical interventions. However, diagnosis and treatment bias can be observed, and it is a major issue for improving health policies. Therefore, we assessed a declared prevalence of cataract and the frequency of surgical treatment of this condition in the Polish population in the years 2009-2019. To provide evidence of health inequalities, we compared operated and non-operated seniors using selected socioeconomic factors and identified variables affecting the availability of cataract surgery services over a 10-year follow-up period. Methods: An analysis based on a survey among 4,905 participants of the nationwide PolSenior study conducted in 2008-2009, and 5,031 participants of PolSenior2 conducted one decade later to assess the health of Poles over 65 years of age. Results: Cataract diagnosis was declared by 25.5 and 28.2% of the study population in PolSenior and PolSenior2 surveys, respectively. Out of those diagnosed with cataract in PolSenior, 46.5% underwent surgical treatment for at least one eye. This rate increased up to 67.9% in the survey conducted 10 years later. Independent factors increasing the chance for cataract surgery in both cohorts included male sex and age > 75 years. Additional factors were self-reported good health status in PolSenior and lack of financial problems in purchasing medicines in PolSenior2. Over the investigated decade, the chances for cataract surgical treatment increased in single-living and widowed patients. The shortage of funds for medications remained the only significant barrier for surgery. Conclusion: Although the prevalence of cataract in the older adult population in Poland has not changed from 2009 to 2019, the rate of cataract surgeries has considerably increased over the analyzed decade. Patients with lower socioeconomic status and women have lower access to surgical cataract management

Blindness · Cataract surgery · Economic shortage · Environmental health · Population · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Socioeconomic status · Visual impairment · Connexins and lens biology · Demography · Medicine · Ocular Infections and Treatments · Ophthalmology and Visual Impairment Studies · Optometry · Surgery

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access