Biomass stoves and lens opacity and cataract in Nepalese women.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Cataract is the most prevalent cause of blindness in Nepal. Several epidemiologic studies have associated cataracts with use of biomass cookstoves. These studies, however, have had limitations, including potential control selection bias and limited adjustment for possible confounding. This study, in Pokhara City, in an area of Nepal where biomass cookstoves are widely used without direct venting of the smoke to the outdoors, focuses on preclinical measures of opacity while avoiding selection bias and taking into account comprehensive data on potential confounding factors.

Methods

Using a cross-sectional study design, severity of lenticular damage, judged on the LOCS (Lens Opacities Classification System) III scales, was investigated in women (n = 143), aged 20 to 65

SUBMITTER: Pokhrel AK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4349399 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature