rss
Br J Ophthalmol 2002;86:548-550 doi:10.1136/bjo.86.5.548
  • Original Article
    • Clinical science

Childbearing and risk of cataract in young women: an epidemiological study in central India

  1. D C Minassian1,
  2. V Mehra2,
  3. A Reidy3
  1. 1Department of Epidemiology and International Eye Health, Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, UK
  2. 2Chattisgarh Eye Hospitals, Raipur, Madhya Pradesh, India
  3. 3Moorfields Eye Hospital, London and The Institute of Public Health, Cambridge University, UK
  1. Correspondence to: D C Minassian, Institute of Ophthalmology, Bath Street, London EC1V 9EL, UK
  • Accepted 10 December 2001

Abstract

AUTHOR:e-mail address please Background/aims: Observations in central India, over a period of more than a decade, suggested that the frequency of sight restoring cataract surgery was substantially higher in women of childbearing age compared to men of the same age. Formal surveys in the subcontinent of India have confirmed a higher prevalence of cataract in women. The present study was conducted to explore possible effects of childbearing and associated adverse factors on cataract risk.

Methods: A case-control study design was used. Cases were mothers aged 35–45 with bilateral “senile” cataract. Controls were mothers of the same age but with clear lenses, attending the hospital services with other, mostly minor, complaints.

Results: A significant association was found between childbearing and risk of sight impairing cataract in mothers. Having more than three babies doubled the risk (adjusted odds ratio 2.0, p=0.012), and the risk increased by an estimated 20% for each additional birth. The birth effect was independent of age, socioeconomic status (occupation and income level), body mass index, and multiple episodes of severe dehydration, all regarded as putative risk factors for cataract.

Conclusions: Having more than three babies may substantially increase the risk of sight impairing cataract in mothers of childbearing age in central India. The findings open new research challenges to identify cataract risk factors to which mothers may be exposed during pregnancy and childbirth, particularly under poor socioeconomic conditions.

Footnotes

    This Article

    1. Abstract
    2. Full text
    3. PDF

    Responses

    1. Submit a response
    2. No responses published

    Social bookmarking

    Register for free content


    Free sample
     This recent issue is free to all users to allow everyone the opportunity to see the full scope and typical content of BJO.
    View free sample issue >>

    Free archive
    The full back archive is now available for BJO. Institutional subscribers may access the entire archive as part of their subscription. Personal subscribers will also have access to all content when logged in. Non-subscribers who register have free access to all articles published before 2006, back to volume 1 issue 1.
    Register to access the free archive >>

    Don't forget to sign up for content alerts so you keep up to date with all the articles as they are published.