Meghrigian Institute Publishes on Cataract Risk Factors in Armenia
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YEREVAN, Armenia — The Garo Meghrigian Institute for Preventive Ophthalmology (Meghrigian Institute) at the Avedisian Onanian Center for Health Services Research and Development (CHSR) of the Turpanjian College of Health Sciences (CHS) of the American University of Armenia (AUA), published a new article, titled “Prevalence and risk factors of age-related cataract among adults aged 50+ in Gegharkunik, Armenia,” in the journal of International Ophthalmology, an international, scientific, peer-reviewed journal with a broad international scope that publishes articles on all subspecialties of ophthalmology. The journal also features sections highlighting advancements in technologies, products, techniques, and basic research projects. Aida Giloyan (MPH ’07), M.S.; Tsovinar Harutyunyan (MPH ’99), Ph.D; and Varduhi Petrosyan, M.S., Ph.D. authored the article.
The study evaluates the prevalence of age-related cataract and its associated risk factors among people aged 50 years and older in Gegharkunik province, Armenia, using the Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness methodology developed by the International Center for Eye Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. A total of 1,099 participants were recruited, with a mean age of 64.8 years. The prevalence of cataract was 24.3%, which was higher compared to Armenia (20.4%). The prevalence of mild to severe visual impairment was 17.4%, while blindness was observed in 1.9% of the sample. In Armenia, 27.0% of people aged over 50 had mild to severe visual impairment and 1.8% were blind.
The study team’s ophthalmologists identified untreated cataract as the principal cause in 40.9% of blindness cases, in 40.6% of severe visual impairment cases, and in 55.9% of moderate visual impairment cases. In Armenia untreated cataract accounted for 43.9% of blindness cases and was the principal cause of severe (55.0%) and moderate (52.5%) visual impairment. Improved access to ophthalmic care in Gegharkunik, provided through the Lions Regional Ophthalmic Unit established by the Meghrigian Institute, may explain the region’s better situation compared to the national statistics.
People with untreated cataract in Gegharkunik reported “cost” (37.4%), “felt no need” (35.9%), “fear” (18.5%) or “no access to treatment” (16.9%) as main barriers to cataract surgery. The main barriers to cataract surgery in Armenia included “cost” (35.3%), “felt no need” (23.5%), or “fear” (23.5%).
Advanced age, lower education levels, and diabetes were significantly associated with cataract. Regular eye examinations and targeted public health interventions may help reduce cataract-related vision loss, particularly in high-risk groups. Community education programs may enhance diabetes management, encourage healthier lifestyle choices, and increase awareness of cataract risk factors, especially among individuals with lower education levels.
This study was conducted with financial support from the Lions Club International Foundation.
The AUA Turpanjian College of Health Sciences works actively to improve population health and health services in Armenia and the region through interdisciplinary education and development of health professionals to be leaders in public health, nursing, health services research and evaluation, and health care delivery and management.