Disparities in Vision Loss Due to Cataracts in Hispanic Women in the United States

Abstract

Purpose: To review the current literature on the prevalence of cataract in Hispanic females living in the United States.

Methods: Review relevant literature on cataract, eye disease, and health practices of Hispanics living in the U.S.

Results: Females comprise 64.5% of blind persons worldwide. Internationally, female gender is associated with lower awareness of cataract and other diseases of the eye and women are less likely to have cataract surgery than men in low- and middle-income countries.

Conclusion: Hispanic women receive disparate care compared to their male counterparts. The etiology of this is likely multifactorial but possible contributors include genetics, gender roles, and personal healthcare decisions. Interventions to address this disparity should be targeted, efficient, and sustainable.

Keywords: Cataract; Hispanic; Latina; disparities; gender.