Epidemiology of cataracts.

Statistical data are summarized regarding surgery for senile cataracts on patients older than 45 years of age in Okayama Prefecture. In patients older than 65 years operated on for senile cataracts, the male-to-female ratio was 1.8 with a female predominance. An age-related cataract surgery index is demonstrated which suggests that the lower limit for the diagnosis of senile cataracts should be placed at 65 years.