Purpose. To determine the number of cataract surgeries per million population per year or the cataract surgical rate (CSR) in Iran for every year from 2000 to 2005 as part of the objectives of the Vision 2020 initiative by the World Health Organization (WHO) to eliminate cataract blindness.
Methods. This study is part of the Iranian Cataract Surgery Survey, which was conducted as a retrospective cross-sectional study. All major cataract surgery centers and 10% of randomly selected minor centers throughout the nation were approached. Excluding the 2-week Iranian New Year holiday, 1 week per season between 2000 and 2005 (a total of 24 weeks) was selected for each center, and data concerning all cataract surgeries performed during these weeks were recorded by reviewing records of patients operated for cataracts.
Results. A total of 13,409 surgical records from 2000 to 2005 were evaluated, and CSR was calculated for each year based on the population data obtained from the Statistical Center of Iran. CSR showed an increasing trend in Iran, rising from 526 (95% confidence interval: 352 to 700) in year 2000 to 1331 (95% confidence interval: 1084 to 1577) in 2005.
Conclusions. CSR has significantly increased in Iran in recent years but is still below the target suggested by WHO. Considering the age structure of the young population of Iran, the present CSR may suffice. However, it is necessary to implement plans to increase CSR and obviate obstacles to eliminating cataract blindness.