Journal of

Introduction and purpose: Cataract is the most common cause of blindness in the world and it has been estimated that annually about one hundred thousand cases of cataract surgery is being performed in Iran. This study investigated the prevalence and morphology of age-related cataract and associated factors in patient referred to ophthalmology clinics of Amol and Babol cities .

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study conducted among 288 patients referred to ophthalmology clinics of Amol and Babol cities whom were diagnosed with cataract. In this study, data were collected by researcher-made questionnaire in which the validity and reliability of the instrument had been established previously. Data analysis was conducted with SPSS 16 using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (chi-square test and logistic regression).

Findings: The results of this study showed that the most common form of age-related Cataract was nuclear 192 (67%) followed by under capsular 50 (17%) and lastly cortical 50 (17%). There was a significant difference in the morphology of Cataract in terms of background factors such as age, sex, occupation, family history, level of education, diabetes, hypertension and smoking.

Conclusion: The most common type of cataract was age dependent and different risk factors affected the incidence of this type of cataract. Therefore, periodic medical examination and lifestyle education can be effective steps toward prevention and slowing progression of the age-related cataract.