Global, regional burden of cataract attributable to Household air pollution from solid fuels, Smoking, high body mass index and high fasting plasma glucose among people aged 55 and older from 1990 to 2021, and forecasts to 2040: analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.

BACKGROUND

Cataract remains a significant public health issue, particularly for middle-aged and older adults. This study investigates the Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) attributed to cataract among people aged 55 and older from 1990 to 2021, providing insights for public health recommendations.

METHODS

Using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database, this study examines the global burden of cataract caused by four risk factors: household air pollution from solid fuels (HAPFSF), smoking, high body-mass index (BMI), and high fasting plasma glucose (FPG) in individuals aged 55 and older. The ARIMA model was used to forecast trends from 2021 to 2040, and data processing was conducted using R and Python software.

RESULTS

The paper analyses the impact of each risk factor, showing how the burden of cataract disease varies across different SDI regions and age groups. It also evaluates the combined effects of these risk factors and assesses their respective contributions to cataract burden in different SDI regions.

CONCLUSIONS

The study highlights the need to continue promoting smoking cessation measures and strengthening dietary management to reduce obesity rates. It also suggests replacing solid fuels with clean energy in underdeveloped areas, and enhancing health lifestyle education in developed regions to lower high blood glucose levels, thereby reducing the incidence of cataract.