Time Series Changes in Cataract Surgery in Korea

PURPOSE: We analyzed time series changes in cataract surgeries in Korea, and provide basic data to enhance the efficiency of medical services for cataract surgery. METHODS: Among cataract surgery statistics registered in the Korean National Health Insurance Cooperation from 2006 to 2012, we used data regarding the number of patients and operations and the number of patients and operations per 100,000 people. We analyzed various time series changes, including differences by sex and age. RESULTS: The total numbers of patients from 2006 to 2012 by year were 207,370; 228,170; 250,289; 268,548; 289,867; 308,111; and 302,182, respectively. The total numbers of operations from 2006 to 2012 by year were 272,920; 305,807; 338,332; 365,874; 398,338; 428,158; and 420,905, respectively. The number of patients and operations per 100,000 people were highest in men 80 to 84 years old and women 75 to 79 years old. Comparing the number of operations in 2006 and after, the patient age group with the highest increase rate changed from over 85 years old to 75–79 years old since 2010 in men and from over 85 years old to 50–54 years old since 2009 in women. For each year investigated, the number of operations performed was higher than the number of patients who received operations. CONCLUSIONS: Over the study period, the number of cataract surgeries increased, while the age of cataract patients decreased. Additionally, the number of cataract-related surgeries increased in relation to the number of patients.