Authors' objectives: This report provides some statistics for a select Alberta population on cataract surgery rates and potential complications two years following the initial surgery. Descriptive rates are presented for cataract surgeries performed in Alberta between April 1994 to March 1998 on seniors without pre-existing ocular co-morbidities (using a crude definition). Four cohorts are described by the four fiscal years of the initial cataract surgery. The 1994/95 and 1995/96 cohorts were followed for selected complications over a 2 year period following the initial cataract surgery.

Authors' recommendations: The study population who received surgery for uncomplicated senile cataract represent only 2% of the Alberta population aged 65 years and up. However, the study persons represent about 50% of all persons of all ages who received cataract surgery in Alberta. Approximately 30% to 35% of the study population received a second cataract surgery service within a 6 month period following the initial surgery. Rates of cataract surgeries for seniors with no co-morbidities varied from 27 per 1,000 persons over the age of 65 years for 1994/95 to 20 per 1,000 persons for 1997/98. Females across all age groups had higher cataract surgery rates than males. The data show that the number of persons who received treatment for PCO slowly increased in the succeeding 6-month time periods after the initial surgery. Limited inferences can be deduced from these data due to the aggregate extraction methodology used. The manner in which data are currently reported does not allow the linking of PCO to specific lens type. As well, there is no requirement to identify in the physician claims data if the service provided was for the right or left eye. Based on this limited data set and short term follow up, the complication rate of PCO in this study population was substantially lower than that reported in the literature. Pooled data available from AHCIP was not designed to determine the actual rate of treatment for PCO nor linking PCO rates to lens type.

Authors' methods: Population-based study

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2001

URL for published report: https://www.ihe.ca/advanced-search?type=1020

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Institute of Health Economics

Contact Address: 1200, 10405 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T5J 3N4. Tel: +1 780 448 4881; Fax: +1 780 448 0018;

Contact Name: djuzwishin@ihe.ca

Contact Email: djuzwishin@ihe.ca

Copyright: <p>Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR)</p>