A recent study published in the journal "Lancet" highlights the seriousness of the situation: nearly half of those facing vision loss due to cataracts have not yet undergone surgical treatment.
Cataracts are a clouding of the eye's lens, which can lead to significant vision impairment and even blindness.
Although cataract surgery takes only 15 minutes and restores vision, many people do not have the opportunity to undergo such a procedure.
Among the main reasons for the lack of access to treatment are a shortage of medical professionals, low financial resources, and a lack of information about the disease.
Age is a key risk factor contributing to the development of cataracts. Additionally, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation, smoking, the use of corticosteroids, and diabetes also influence its occurrence.
Over the past two decades, the number of cataract surgeries has increased by 15%, despite an aging population and a rise in the number of cases. An additional growth of 8.4% is expected during this decade. The WHO calls for accelerating this process and increasing access to surgeries by 30%.
The organization suggests that countries integrate vision screening into primary healthcare systems, invest in surgical infrastructure, and ensure the availability of necessary specialists, especially in remote areas.
The WHO also emphasizes the need to eliminate gender and geographic inequalities in access to healthcare services.
