Changing trends in cataract surgery in Singapore.

AIM OF STUDY

To determine the incidence of cataract surgery in Singapore, both island-wide as well as at the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC). We also evaluated the changing techniques of cataract surgery performed locally.

METHODS

We analysed all cataract operations performed in Singapore over a 10-year period from 1985 to 1996 using data obtained from Medisave claims. We also analysed data of all cataract operations in SNEC between 1992 and 1996 retrospectively, with emphasis on patient demographics and the changing surgical techniques.

RESULTS

Data from Medisave claims revealed a significant increase in cataract operations from 5,679 in 1986 to 12,177 in 1995. There was a similar increase in SNEC with a rise from 3,714 in 1992 to 7,516 in 1996. This increase was disproportionately greater than the increase in the number of local surgeons over the same period. The incidence of cataract surgery rose from 2.25/1,000 in 1986 to 4.02/1,000 in 1995. Patients older than 60 years accounted for 75% of cases, with a rise in patients older than 80 years from 2.73% in 1992 to 11.43% in 1996. SNEC data showed that the incidence of phacoemulsification rose from 1% in 1992 to 25% in 1996.

CONCLUSION

There is a rising incidence of cataract surgery in Singapore, particularly in the elderly population. There is also a significant change in the pattern of cataract surgery with a sharp rise in the incidence of phacoemulsification over the last 5 years. These findings have an impact on future planning considerations regarding ophthalmic manpower and resources in Singapore.