More than 94 million individuals are affected by cataracts, yet half of them lack access to the necessary surgical intervention, as per the World Health Organization’s recent announcement. Cataracts, characterized by the clouding of the eye’s lens leading to vision impairment and potential blindness, are increasingly prevalent as populations age, with advancing age being the primary risk factor.
The WHO highlighted that cataract surgery, a brief 15-minute procedure, is highly cost-effective, offering immediate and long-lasting vision restoration. Despite being a commonly performed surgery in affluent nations, approximately half of the global population in need of cataract surgery remains without access, according to Stuart Keel, the UN health agency’s technical lead for eye care.
The situation is most severe in the WHO’s Africa region, where three out of four individuals requiring cataract surgery do not receive treatment. In Kenya, it is estimated that 77 percent of individuals needing cataract surgery may face cataract-induced blindness or vision impairment without timely intervention.
Gender disparities persist in access to care, with women consistently experiencing lower levels of care availability compared to men. Among the 94 million affected individuals, less than 20 percent are blind, while the majority suffer from impaired vision.
Looking ahead to 2030, the WHO reported a 15 percent increase in global cataract surgery coverage over the past two decades. While member states set a goal of a 30 percent rise by 2030 in 2021, current projections indicate a more modest 8.4 percent increase in cataract surgery coverage for this decade.
To bridge this gap, the WHO urged countries to integrate eye examinations into primary healthcare, invest in essential surgical equipment, and enhance the eye-care workforce. This includes training surgeons uniformly and deploying them across the country, particularly in rural areas.
The WHO unveiled new guidelines on quality cataract surgery services for countries and will provide support for workforce development initiatives. Keel emphasized the critical need for capacity and funding to address the substantial backlog of nearly 100 million individuals in need of cataract surgery.
While advancing age is the primary risk factor for cataracts, other contributing factors include prolonged exposure to UV-B light, tobacco usage, extended corticosteroid use, and diabetes. Keel stressed the importance of regular eye check-ups as individuals age, noting that many issues can be prevented, diagnosed, and treated effectively.
The cost of the intraocular lens used in cataract surgery can be relatively low, under $100, but out-of-pocket expenses may vary if not covered by health insurance. Devora Kestel, head of the WHO’s noncommunicable diseases and mental health department, underscored the transformative impact of cataract surgery in restoring vision, independence, dignity, and opportunities for individuals regaining their sight.