Of the 94 million cataract patients, half have no opportunity for surgery

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for increased access to surgery for cataract patients around the world. According to WHO, nearly half of people at risk of blindness from cataracts still do not have access to vision-restoring surgery.

According to the latest study published in the medical journal 'The Lancet Global Health', more than 94 million people worldwide suffer from cataracts. A cataract is a disease that causes the lens of the eye to become cloudy, blurring vision and ultimately leading to blindness. However, cataract surgery to treat it is completed in just 15 minutes and is considered one of the most cost-effective procedures in the medical field.

Why this is important

Cataract surgery is a simple medical intervention that allows immediate and lasting vision restoration. “Cataract surgery is one of the most powerful tools to restore vision and transform lives,” said Deborah Kestel, WHO Acting Director of the Department of Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health. “When people regain their sight, they regain independence, dignity and opportunity.”

Over the past 20 years, global cataract surgery prevalence has increased by approximately 15%. However, demand continues to increase due to aging and increased incidence of cataracts. If the current trend continues, the penetration rate is expected to increase by only about 8.4% by 2030, but the goal set by the World Health Assembly (WHA) is a 30% increase. Achieving the goal requires progress at a much faster pace than is currently happening.

Africa and women, the largest marginalized group

This study, which analyzed data from 68 countries from 2023 to 2024, clearly shows regional and gender gaps. In particular, the African region is in the most serious situation as three out of four patients who need cataract surgery are still not receiving treatment.

In all regions, women had less access to medical care than men. These disparities stem from structural barriers such as lack and uneven distribution of trained ophthalmology professionals, high out-of-pocket costs, long waiting times, and lack of awareness of the surgery.

Various causes of cataracts

Although age is the main risk factor for cataracts, long-term exposure to ultraviolet rays (UV-B), smoking, corticosteroid use, and diabetes can also promote the development of cataracts. This suggests that cataracts are not simply a problem of aging but are also linked to preventable factors.

Solution: Integrating vision screening into primary care

WHO says it is possible to end unnecessary blindness caused by cataracts. The key strategies for this were △integrating vision screening and ophthalmological examinations into primary medical care, △investing in essential surgical infrastructure, △expanding ophthalmology manpower, and distributing them equally to rural and underprivileged areas.

In particular, he emphasized that targeted efforts that prioritize support for women and marginalized groups are key to reducing persistent inequalities.

Impact on Korea

Korea has a well-equipped medical infrastructure, so accessibility to cataract surgery is relatively high. However, as aging progresses rapidly, the number of cataract patients continues to increase. According to data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the number of cataract surgeries in Korea is increasing every year, and the issue of accessibility to surgery for elderly people living alone or low-income people who are in the blind spot of medical care still remains a challenge.

Future outlook [AI analysis]

As the elderly population increases worldwide, the number of cataract patients is likely to continue to increase. To achieve WHO's 2030 goal, cooperation from the international community and active investment from governments are essential.

In particular, the role of international aid agencies and NGOs is expected to become more important in developing countries such as Africa. Advances in technology will further lower the cost of surgery, and as telemedicine and AI diagnostic technology spread, there is a possibility that some of the accessibility issues in rural and underprivileged areas will be resolved.

In the case of Korea, along with expanding support to developing countries through the medical Korean Wave, it seems necessary to strengthen eye examination programs in connection with senior citizen welfare policies. If continued interest and investment are made, preventable blindness due to cataracts can be gradually reduced.