One in two people facing cataract blindness need access to surgery: Lancet study

NEW DELHI: (Feb 12) Nearly one in two people with cataract blindness worldwide still cannot access a simple surgery that restores sight, according to a study published in The Lancet Global Health journal.

Cataract surgery — a simple 15-minute procedure — is among the most cost-effective medical procedures, providing immediate and a lasting restoration of sight.

Researchers, including experts from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and members of the Effective Cataract Surgical Coverage (eCSC) study group, analysed population-based surveys — called ‘Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness’ (RAAB) — from 68 countries, including a nationally representative survey from India.