Cataract blindness in 4 regions of Guatemala: results of a population-based survey.

Objective: To assess prevalence of visual impairment resulting from cataract and cataract surgical services in 4 departments (provinces) of Guatemala to facilitate further health care planning.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Participants: Ninety-eight enumeration areas were selected by systematic sampling in 4 departments in southwest Guatemala, with a combined population of 1,339,508 (2002 census).