Cataract surgery in the United States, 1968--1976. A descriptive epidemiologic study.

Several large United States data sources were examined to determine the trend in cataract surgery for the eight-year period 1968--1976. Age-stratified rates of intracapsular cataract extractions were calculated to control for changes in the age structure of the population. Cataract extractions increased steadily at the rate of 4.2% per year. A number of medical, social, and economic factors appear to be involved in this increase. The relative contribution of some of these factors was determined through examination of data related to hospitalizations for cataracts and the availability of ophthalmic services. Additionally, the increasing demand for better vision among the elderly was estimated by examining the increase of drivers' licenses in force for this period.