Epidemiology of the frequency of cataract disease in Jahrom city: a pilot study of the disease registration program

Cataract is considered as a public health problem all over the world and the main cause of blindness, which is caused by several factors. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of investigating the frequency of cataract eye disease in the population of Jahrom city in 2018. In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 500 patient were studied. Sampling was based on sampling in the census of patients with cataracts. Data collection tool included a questionnaire of patients' demographic information, including age, gender, residence status, and type of cataract, etc. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistical tests (frequency, number, percentage) and using spss statistical software version 21. The majority of patients with eye diseases participating in the study were over 50 years old. 50.8% were men and the rest were women. The frequency of cataract eye disease in patients with a family history of cataract was 16.4%. The frequency of cataract eye disease was 51.2% in rural patients and 48.8% in urban patients. The highest frequency of cataract eye disease was in patients who did not use sunglasses (65.2%) and 45% of them were exposed to direct sunlight. The highest frequency of cataract eye disease was in housewives or unemployed patients. The results of this study showed that the highest frequency of cataract eye disease was in patients who did not use sunglasses (65.2%). Therefore, by identifying the predisposing factors of cataract, a step can be taken to prevent or delay the onset of this disease.