Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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February 11, 2026 Healthcare
The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling on countries to do everything possible to ensure that the millions of people living with cataracts receive surgery. The WHO emphasizes that cataract surgery is very simple, takes only 15 minutes, and completely restores vision. However, many people still lack access to this procedure.
Tens of millions of people are sick
A new study published today in The Lancet demonstrates the scale of the problem: nearly half of all people worldwide suffering from blindness caused by cataracts still require surgical treatment.
A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye that leads to vision impairment and can lead to blindness. Worldwide, 94 million people suffer from cataracts. Cataract removal is a simple, effective procedure that provides immediate vision restoration that lasts for years.
“Cataract surgery is one of the most powerful tools available to restore vision and change lives,” said Devora Kestel, Acting Director of the WHO Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health.
"When people regain their sight, they regain their independence, dignity and opportunity," she added.
The situation is changing for the better
Over the past 20 years, the number of people undergoing this surgery has increased by 15 percent, despite an aging population and rising cataract rates leading to increased demand. This figure is expected to grow by another 8.4 percent over the current decade. The WHO calls for accelerating this growth and increasing the number of people eligible for cataract surgery by 30 percent.
A study analyzing data from 68 countries for 2023 and 2024 shows that the problem is most acute in the African region, where 75 percent of people requiring cataract surgery go untreated. Across all regions, women are less likely to undergo the procedure than men.
Reasons why people do not receive treatment may include a shortage of specialists, low incomes, and lack of information.
Age is the main risk factor for cataracts. They can also be caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation, tobacco use, corticosteroid use, and diabetes.
How to solve the problem
WHO recommends that countries integrate vision screening into primary health care, invest in basic surgical infrastructure, and ensure the availability of necessary specialists, especially in rural areas.
The WHO also calls for eliminating gender and geographical inequalities. The organization emphasizes that cataract surgery may become widely available in the near future.
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