The incidence of cataract in India is an overestimate.

BACKGROUND

Data obtained from surveys using distant direct ophthalmoscopy (DDO) with an undilated pupil for the detection of cataracts suggest an annual incidence of 3.8 million cataracts and over 9 million cataract-blind people in India today.

METHOD

We recalculated the projections after adjusting for the sensitivity and specificity of DDO.

RESULTS

Our calculations suggest that the incidence of cataract may have been overestimated by approximately 60%; corroborative evidence is provided.

CONCLUSIONS

The specificity and sensitivity of diagnostic tests used in surveys may distort the projected figures and have adverse implications for the planning of services.