CGPH AFFILIATED FACULTY: Michael Bates, Kirk R. Smith
DATE OF PUBLICATION: March 2013
REGION: Asia (Nepal)
REFERENCE: Pokhrel AK, Bates MN, Shrestha SP, Bailey IL, Dimartino RB, Smith KR. Biomass stoves and lens opacity and cataract in Nepalese women. Optom Vis Sci. 2013 Mar;90(3):257-68. doi: 10.1097/OPX.0b013e3182820d60
SUMMARY/ABSTRACT: 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.
ACCESS: Link to Pubmed