Detection of Cataract and Surgical Outcomes in the Manhattan Vision Screening and Follow-Up Study (NYC-SIGHT)

Lisa Park Annette M. Goulak Prakash Gorroochurn Daniel F. Diamond Stefania C. Maruri N. Harizman Jason D. Horowitz Desiree R. Torres George A. Cioffi Lisa A. Hark

Aug 2026 · Journal of health care for the poor and underserved · Vol 37, pp. 1011 - 993 · 0 citations · 36 references

Medicine

Abstract

Abstract:Purpose. To detect rates of cataracts among underserved participants following community-based eye health screenings in Upper Manhattan. Methods. A cluster-randomized controlled trial enrolled 708 participants aged 40 years or older for eye health screenings. Participants with visual acuity (VA) 20/40 or worse, intraocular pressure 23–29 mmHg, or unreadable fundus images in either eye were referred for examination by a study optometrist and subsequent referral for ophthalmologic exam, if warranted. Results. Among 708 participants, 31.4% were diagnosed with cataracts (n=223). Logistic regression showed higher odds of visually significant cataracts with older age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.121, 95% CI = 1.065–1.181), VA worse than 20/40 (aOR = 16.393, 95% CI = 3.268–83.333), or an unreadable fundus image (aOR = 333.333, 95% CI = 37.037–∞) (p < .001). Conclusion. Cataract detection in underserved individuals was associated with older age, poor visual acuity, and unreadable fundus images but cataract surgery rates were low.

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