Thu Jan 30 01:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Tamil Nadu Study Reveals Gender Disparities in Cataract Surgery Outcomes

**Chennai, January 30, 2025** – A new study published in *The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia* reveals significant gender disparities in cataract surgery outcomes in Tamil Nadu. A 12-year retrospective analysis by Aravind Eye Hospitals, encompassing 3.6 million surgeries, found that women consistently presented with poorer vision than men before surgery and received treatment later. This resulted in inferior post-operative vision, even after accounting for improvements in surgical techniques and increased access to care.

The study, which covered the period from 2012 to 2023, also highlighted economic disparities. Women spent approximately 10% less on intraocular lenses (IOLs) compared to men, opting for less expensive options. While post-operative visual acuity improved across all patient segments (outreach, subsidized, and paying), the gains were more pronounced among those receiving the less expensive manual small incision cataract surgery (MSIC).

Dr. Shivkumar Chandrashekaran, head of the cataract and IOL clinic at Aravind Hospitals, Tirunelveli, and a study author, attributed the data to improved data collection since 2012 through a new Cataract Quality Assurance software. He noted that while the study primarily focuses on Aravind’s data, its inclusivity across economic strata makes it a reasonably representative sample for the state.

The study also revealed positive trends. Insurance coverage for cataract surgeries increased significantly from 4.4% in 2012 to 28.7% in 2023. Furthermore, there’s evidence of increased awareness, with patients seeking treatment earlier and achieving better post-operative vision.

However, the persistent gender gap remains a significant concern. This mirrors findings from previous studies, including one by L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, which documented similar disparities, particularly among children. While improvements have been noted in recent years, the study underscores the need for targeted interventions to address the underlying societal factors contributing to delayed treatment and unequal access to quality care for women.

Read More