Half of those with cataract blindness lack access to surgery

The World Health Organization (WHO) is urging countries to expedite efforts to ensure that millions of individuals suffering from cataracts can receive simple, sight-restoring surgeries, which are among the most effective and affordable measures to prevent avoidable blindness.

A new study published today in The Lancet Global Health highlights the scale of the challenge: nearly half of all people worldwide facing cataract-related blindness still need access to surgery.

Cataract – the clouding of the eye's lens that causes blurred vision and can lead to blindness – affects more than 94 million people globally. Cataract surgery – a simple 15-minute procedure – is one of the most cost-effective medical procedures, providing immediate and lasting restoration of sight.

Over the past two decades, global coverage of cataract surgery has increased by approximately 15%, despite the fact that aging populations and rising cataract cases have heightened overall demand. Recent modeling forecasts that coverage for cataract surgery will rise by around 8.4% over this decade. However, significant acceleration in progress is necessary to achieve the World Health Assembly's goal of a 30% increase by the year 2030.

"Cataract surgery is one of the most powerful tools we have to restore vision and transform lives," said Devora Kestel, Acting Director of the WHO Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health. "When people regain their sight, they regain independence, dignity, and opportunity."

The study, which analyzed reports from 68 country estimates for 2023 and 2024, shows that the African region faces the greatest gap, with three out of four people needing cataract surgery remaining untreated. Women are disproportionately affected across all regions, consistently experiencing lower access to care than men.

These gaps highlight enduring structural obstacles, such as a shortage and uneven distribution of trained eye-care professionals, high out-of-pocket expenses, lengthy waiting times, and limited awareness or demand for surgery, even in areas where services are available.

In addition, while age is the primary risk factor for cataracts, other contributors such as prolonged exposure to UV-B rays, tobacco use, corticosteroid use, and diabetes can accelerate its development.

Ending unnecessary blindness from cataracts is essential and achievable. Countries can accelerate progress by integrating vision screening and eye examinations into primary health care, investing in essential surgical infrastructure, and expanding and better distributing the eye care workforce, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Targeted efforts to prioritize women and marginalized communities will be crucial in addressing ongoing inequities and ensuring that improvements in access benefit everyone.

WHO is urging governments, civil society, and partners to capitalize on the current momentum, tackle gender and geographic disparities, and prioritize underrepresented populations. With continued dedication, cataract surgery can transform from being inaccessible to millions into a universally available solution, contributing to the elimination of preventable blindness across the globe.