Geneva (GNP): The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the continuing global burden of cataracts, one of the leading causes of vision impairment and blindness worldwide.
According to WHO, cataracts affect an estimated 94 million people globally, making access to eye examinations and timely treatment an important public-health priority.
Cataracts develop when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, gradually affecting a person’s ability to see clearly.
The condition is particularly associated with ageing, although other factors can also contribute to vision problems.
WHO’s latest global figures show that at least 2.2 billion people live with near or distance vision impairment, while at least 1 billion cases could have been prevented or remain unaddressed.
Cataracts account for around 94 million cases of distance vision impairment or blindness, making them one of the most significant contributors to the global burden of vision loss.
The impact goes beyond eyesight. Vision impairment can affect education, employment, independence and quality of life.
Among older adults, vision loss can contribute to social isolation, difficulty walking and a greater risk of falls and fractures.
Despite the scale of the problem, cataract-related vision loss is often treatable. WHO identifies cataract surgery as one of the most cost-effective healthcare interventions.
However, access remains unequal. WHO reports that one in two people globally who need cataract surgery cannot access it, demonstrating the continuing gap between available treatment and the people who need it.
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This makes early detection and access to quality eye care particularly important. Regular eye examinations can help identify vision problems, while timely treatment can prevent avoidable deterioration in many cases.
The WHO message is therefore not simply about cataracts as a medical condition.
It is also about ensuring that eye care is accessible, affordable and available to people regardless of where they live.
With populations ageing and the number of people requiring eye care expected to increase, addressing cataracts will remain an important part of global efforts to reduce preventable vision impairment.
