| Sumario: | Background: Cataract poses a significant burden in Ethiopia and was given priority in the WHO's VISION 2020 program. However, there is limited pooled information on the extent of cataract and determinant factors in Ethiopia. Objective: The objective of the study is to provide updated data on the pooled prevalence of cataract and associated factors to develop effective intervention strategies, particularly for addressing modifiable risk factors. Design: The study utilized a systematic review and meta-analysis design. Data source and methods: The study was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews. Relevant published articles were searched in PubMed, EMBASE, Wiley Online Library, CINAHL/EBSCO, Wolters Kluwer, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and African Journal Online. Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel, and Meta-analysis was performed using STATA version 17. Results: In this study, the pooled prevalence of cataract in Ethiopia is estimated to be 32.30% (95% CI: 20.72−43.89, I ² = 99.2%). Age ⩾ 70 years old (Pooled odds ratio; POR = 9.03, 95% CI: 2.21–36.85), diabetes mellitus (POR = 3.31, 95% CI: 1.61–6.82), sunlight exposure (POR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.53–2.47) and hypertension (POR = 4.09, 95% CI: 2.98–5.61) were associated with cataract. Conclusion: Despite progress in cataract control, the pooled prevalence of cataract in Ethiopia remains high. The pooled estimates for associated factors were based on a limited number of studies, including diabetes mellitus (two studies), hypertension (two studies), sunlight exposure (two studies), and age ⩾70 years (three studies); therefore, these findings should be interpreted cautiously. Trial registration: CRD42022377695. Plain language summary: Understanding cataracts in Ethiopia: a summary of studies Cataracts are a common eye problem that can make vision cloudy or blurry and may eventually lead to blindness if untreated. In Ethiopia, many people are affected by cataracts, but the exact number and outcomes of treatment have not been clear. This study looked at all the research done in Ethiopia on cataracts to understand how common they are, who is most affected, and how well treatments, like surgery, are working. By combining the results from many studies, we provide a clearer picture of the cataract situation in the country. Our findings highlight the need for better access to eye care, earlier detection, and effective treatment to prevent vision loss in Ethiopia.
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