THE INCIDENCE OF CATARACT IN INDIA IS AN OVERESTIMATE

Background. Data obtained from surveys using distant direct ophthalmos copy (DDO) with an undilated pupil for the detection of cataracts sugg est an annual incidence of 3.8 million cataracts and over 9 million ca taract-blind people in India today. Method. We recalculated the projec tions after adjusting for the sensitivity and specificity of DDO. Resu lts. Our calculations suggest that the incidence of cataract may have been overestimated by approximately 60%; corroborative evidence is pro vided. Conclusions. The specificity and sensitivity of diagnostic test s used in surveys may distort the projected figures and have adverse i mplications for the planning of services.