Frequency, Etiology and Leading Causes of Pre-Senile Cataract: A Descriptive Study

Abstract

Introduction: Cataract is generally caused due to physical aging, but, in some cases, there are chances that it may develop at an early age (Pre-senile cataract). A pre-senile cataract is believed not to be primary in nature and some underlying ocular/systemic/environmental factor is causing the lens opacification at an early age. This study aimed to determine the frequency and risk factors of pre-senile cataracts in our population. Materials and Methods: This was an observational study at Outdoor Patient-Eye in Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Rawalpindi (BBH), for the period from December 2017 to June 2018. Cataract was diagnosed on slit-lamp examination. Detailed history, Ocular and systemic examination was done for all pre-senile cataract cases. Laboratory/radiological investigations were performed when and where required. Using the Excel spreadsheet, statistical analysis of descriptive data was carried out. Results: During the time span of the study 11,448 patients visited the eye OPD. However, cataract was found in only 849 patients. Out of these 849 patients, 165 cases were pre-senile cataracts. Pre-senile cataract was most seen in the age group 30-49 (52.13%) and among women 56.36%. The identified causes were idiopathic 33.3%, diabetes 27.3%, and Steroids and other drugs related 20.0%. Posterior subcapsular cataract in 36.36% was the most identified type in the study among pre-senile cataracts.