One in Two People With Cataract Blindness Still Lack Access to Surgery

Nearly half of the world’s people living with cataract-related blindness remain without access to sight-restoring surgery, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned, calling for urgent global action to close the treatment gap.

A new study published in The Lancet Global Health reveals that millions continue to miss out on one of the simplest and most cost-effective medical procedures available, cataract surgery, despite decades of progress.

Cataract, a condition that clouds the eye’s natural lens and leads to blurred vision and eventual blindness if untreated, affects more than 94 million people globally. The surgery required to treat it takes about 15 minutes and can restore sight almost immediately.

Over the past 20 years, global coverage of cataract surgery has increased by approximately 15%. However, ageing populations and a growing number of cataract cases have outpaced progress. New modelling predicts that coverage will rise by just 8.4% over the current decade, 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,” said Devora Kestel, Director a.i. of WHO’s Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health. “When people regain their sight, they regain independence, dignity, and opportunity.”

The study analyzed data from 68 country estimates for 2023 and 2024 and found stark regional disparities. The African Region faces the widest treatment gap, with three out of four people who need cataract surgery still untreated.

Women are disproportionately affected across all regions, consistently experiencing lower access to surgical care than men. Experts attribute these inequities to long-standing structural barriers, including shortages and uneven distribution of trained eye-care professionals, high out-of-pocket costs, lengthy waiting times, and limited public awareness about the availability and safety of surgery.

While ageing remains the primary risk factor for cataract development, other contributors, such as prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV-B) radiation, tobacco use, corticosteroid medications, and diabetes, can accelerate the condition.

Health experts say the solutions are clear and achievable. Integrating vision screening and routine eye examinations into primary health care systems could help detect cases earlier. Expanding surgical infrastructure and strengthening the eye-care workforce, particularly in rural and underserved areas, would also significantly improve access.

Targeted policies to prioritize women and marginalized communities are critical to reducing persistent inequities and ensuring that improvements benefit those most in need.

WHO is urging governments, civil society organizations, and development partners to intensify efforts and build on existing momentum. With sustained commitment, the agency says, cataract surgery can become universally accessible, helping to end avoidable blindness for millions worldwide.