Cataract – widespread in poor areas

Cataract – widespread in poor areas

"Cataract is clouding of the lens of the eye, which impedes the passage of light. Although most cases of cataract are related to the aging process, occasionally children can be born with the condition, or a cataract may develop after eye injuries, inflammation, and some other eye diseases."

World Health Organisation

Globally, cataract (opacification of the lens) is the single most important cause of blindness, and cataract surgery one of the most cost-effective health-care interventions. Most cataract is related to aging and cannot be prevented, but cataract surgery and insertion of an intraocular lens are highly effective, resulting in almost immediate visual rehabilitation. In well-managed eye units, high-quality, high-volume surgery is possible, one ophthalmologist being able to undertake 1,000 – 2,000 or more operations a year, as long as there is adequate support staff, infrastructure and patients able and willing to access the facilities.

Nearly 18 million people are estimated to be bilaterally blind from cataract. This represents nearly half of all causes of blindness due to eye diseases globally. The proportion of blindness due to cataract ranges from 5% in western Europe, North America and other affluent countries to 50% or more in poorer regions. The main non-modifiable risk factor is ageing. Other frequently associated risk factors are injury, certain eye diseases (e.g. uveitis), diabetes, ultraviolet irradiation and smoking. Cataract in children is due mainly to genetic disorders. Visually disabling cataract occurs far more frequently in developing countries than in industrialized countries. Women are at greater risk than men and are less likely to have access to services.