The occurrence of congenital cataract in western Sweden

Purpose: To estimate the occurrence of congenital cataract in a Nordic coun try. Methods: In 1980, we constructed a database in the Department of Ophthalmol ogy Goteborg University, containing basic data from all cases in western Sw eden diagnosed with congenital cataract. By collecting and processing these data from 1980 onwards, we hoped to improve the management of congenital c ataract treatment and to optimize the outcome of the treatment. Results: In this study, the incidence of congenital cataract in the four we stern counties of Sweden was evaluated. The occurrence rate of all cases wi th congenital cataract during the study period was 36 cases per 100 000. Th e occurrence rate for dense bilateral and all unilateral cases were both 14 per 100 000 each. Conclusion: There were no time-related changes in incidence of congenital c ataract from 1980 until today, although there was a large variation in the yearly incidence.