Nationwide trends in the prevalence of cataract, glaucoma, and macular degeneration among Korean adults amid the COVID-19 pandemic, 2015-2021: A representative study in South Korea

Objective: Understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence of key ocular diseases—cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration—in the general population remains a critical yet understudied area. This study aimed to assess the long-term national prevalence of cataract, glaucoma, and macular degeneration in South Korea, considering various sociodemographic factors, health-related lifestyles, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We analyzed the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2015 to 2021, focusing on these ocular diseases’ prevalence and risk factors. The study included data from 51,682 participants aged 20 and above from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Socioeconomic and behavioral factors, including age, sex, region of residence, educational background, marital status, BMI, smoking status, and alcohol consumption, were considered, alongside the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The prevalence of cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration was analyzed using weighted multivariate regression models. Weighted odds ratios (wORs) and beta differences (βdiff) were calculated to evaluate changes in prevalence during the pre-and-pandemic periods. Results: The study revealed a general decline in cataract prevalence (3.27% [95% CI, 2.94-3.60] in 2015-2016; 3.22 [2.73-3.72] in 2021), contrasted by an increase in glaucoma (0.70% [95% CI,0.57-0.84] in 2015-2016; 1.15 [0.85-1.45] in 2021) and macular degeneration (0.21% [95% CI, 0.14-0.29] in 2015-2016; 0.45 [0.30-0.61] in 2021). Specific demographic groups, particularly those with higher economic status and urban residents, showed an increased prevalence of cataracts. The ratio of odds ratio analysis indicated varied impacts of the pandemic on different socioeconomic and behavioral factors. Conclusions: The study highlights a nuanced understanding of the prevalence and risk factors of key ocular diseases in South Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings emphasize the need for targeted healthcare strategies and regular screenings, particularly for high-risk groups, to manage ocular health in the evolving socioeconomic landscape effectively.