Pediatric cataract in Tuzla Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

Aim: To estimate incidence and to present descriptive epidemiological data on pediatric cataract in Tuzla Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Methods: Medical records of all patients hospitalized at the Eye Clinic of the University Clinical Center Tuzla over the 8-year period were retrospectively examined. Prevalence, morphology and type of cataract, its possible etiology and existence of other associated ocular and systemic diseases were analyzed.

Results: The study included 87 eyes of 58 children. Average age at presentation was 11.12 (SD ± 9.03) years. A total of 34 (58.62%) patients were males and twenty-four (41.38%) females. Twentynine (50%) cataracts were unilateral. Thirty-seven (63.79%) patients had isolated cataracts and 24 (29.31%) patients had other ocular anomalies associated with pediatric cataract. High refractive anomalies, nystagmus and microphthalmus were most commonly associated ocular findings. Strabismus was present in 14 (24.13%) cases. Posterior cortical cataract was present in 29 (32.58%) and nuclear cataract in 28 (31.46%) cases. Estimated incidence of congenital cataract was 2.62 per 10.000 births and incidence of pediatric cataract was 8.6 per 10.000 births.

Conclusion: Prevalence of pediatric cataract in Tuzla Canton is within the worldwide range. Late presentation of children with cataract remains the problem that needs to be addressed. Improved patient education and public awareness are needed in order to change the course of avoidable childhood visual impairment.