Cataract surgical coverage and self-reported barriers to cataract surgery in a rural Myanmar population

Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine the cataract surgical coverage and investigate the barriers to cataract surgery as reported by those with cataract-induced visual impairment in rural Myanmar. Methods: A cross-sectional, population-based survey of inhabitants 40 years of age and over from villages in the Meiktila District (central Myanmar); 2481 eligible participants were identified and 2076 participated. Data recording included corrected visual acuity, dilated slit lamp examination and stereoscopic fundus examination. Lens opacity was graded using the Lens Opacities Classification System III. Participants with cataract-induced visual impairment (acuity < 6/18 in better eye) were also invited to respond to a verbal questionnaire about barriers to cataract surgery. Results: Cataract surgical coverage for visual acuity cut-offs of <6/18, <6/60 and