WHO Urges Accelerated Action to End Preventable Blindness from Cataracts
Millions worldwide suffer from avoidable vision loss due to cataracts, but a simple, cost-effective surgery can restore sight.
The World Health Organization is issuing an urgent call for countries to dramatically increase access to cataract surgery, a remarkably effective and affordable intervention that can prevent blindness for millions. A new study published today in The Lancet Global Health reveals that nearly half of those globally affected by cataract-related blindness still lack access to the necessary surgical procedures.
The Global Scale of the Challenge
Cataracts, the clouding of the eye’s lens leading to blurred vision and potential blindness, impact over 94 million people worldwide. Despite being a relatively straightforward procedure – often completed in just 15 minutes – access remains a significant barrier. While global coverage of cataract surgery has increased by approximately 15% over the past two decades, this progress is being outpaced by both aging populations and a rising incidence of cataracts.
Current modeling predicts an 8.4% increase in surgical coverage this decade. However, a senior official stated that this rate falls far short of the World Health Assembly’s target of a 30% increase by 2030. “Cataract surgery is one of the most powerful tools we have to restore vision and transform lives,” the official emphasized. “When people regain their sight, they regain independence, dignity, and opportunity.”
Disparities in Access and Regional Gaps
The study, based on reports from 68 countries for 2023 and 2024, highlights stark regional disparities. The African Region faces the most significant gap, with three out of four individuals needing cataract surgery currently unable to receive it. Furthermore, women consistently experience lower access to care than men across all regions, underscoring a critical equity issue.
These access barriers stem from long-standing structural challenges, including:
- Shortages and uneven distribution of trained eye-care professionals
- High out-of-pocket costs for surgery
- Lengthy waiting times for procedures
- Limited awareness of available services, even where they exist
Beyond age, which is the primary risk factor, prolonged exposure to UV-B radiation, tobacco use, corticosteroid use, and diabetes can accelerate the development of cataracts.
Solutions for a Clearer Future
Ending unnecessary blindness from cataracts is both essential and achievable. The WHO recommends that countries prioritize the following strategies:
- Integrating vision screening and eye examinations into primary healthcare systems.
- Investing in essential surgical infrastructure to expand capacity.
- Expanding and equitably distributing the eye-care workforce, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
- Implementing targeted efforts to prioritize women and marginalized communities to address persistent inequities.
The WHO is urging governments, civil society organizations, and partners to build on existing momentum, address gender and geographic inequities, and prioritize underserved populations. With sustained commitment, cataract surgery can transition from being inaccessible for millions to a universally available intervention, ultimately helping to end avoidable blindness worldwide.
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