Temporal and Spatial Characteristics of Cataract Surgery Rates in China.

Objective: The aim of the current study was to explore the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of registered cases of cataract surgery in China from 2013 to 2017.

Methods: A database for spatial analysis of cataract surgery in China in 2013-2017 was established using ArcGIS10.0 software as a platform for data management and presentation. Spatial autocorrelation analysis of cataract surgery was undertaken, and temporal and spatial scan analysis was done using SaTScan 9.5 software.

Results: From 2013 to 2017, annual cataract surgery rates (CSRs) in China were 1200, 1400, 1782, 2070, and 2205 per 1 million population, indicating a gradually increasing trend. Local Moran's autocorrelation analysis showed that there was spatial clustering of CSR in China, with Anhui being a low-high clustering region. Findings of global hotspot analysis Getis-Ord General showed that General index of national CSR was <0.01, = 1.12, = 0.26. Findings of staged spatial-temporal scan analysis indicated that 18 areas of aggregation were found in 2 stages. Observed differences in each clustering area were statistically significant ( < 0.05).

Conclusion: CSRs in China showed increasing trend year by year and were randomly distributed, with spatial clustering, and Anhui was reported as a low-high clustering region. However, high-risk areas still persist, requiring focused attention and targeted prevention and control measures.