Half of People Facing Cataract Blindness Still Lack Access to Surgery, WHO Warns
Type: noun
Meaning: a condition that makes the eye cloudy
Synonyms: eye disease
Example: A cataract can cause blurred vision.
Type: noun
Meaning: a medical operation
Synonyms: operation
Example: Surgery can restore sight.
Type: noun
Meaning: inability to see
Synonyms: loss of sight
Example: Cataract can lead to blindness.
The World Health Organization says that many people with cataract still do not have access to simple surgery that can restore their vision. Cataract happens when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. This causes blurred vision and can lead to blindness if untreated. More than 94 million people worldwide are affected by cataract. The surgery to treat it usually takes only about 15 minutes and is one of the most effective and affordable medical procedures available. After surgery, many people regain clear sight immediately. Although access to cataract surgery has improved over the past 20 years, progress is still too slow. In some regions, especially in Africa, many people who need surgery remain untreated. Women are also more likely than men to lack access to care. Experts say countries must improve eye health services, especially in rural and poor communities. With better access, millions of people could regain independence and improve their quality of life.
Type: noun
Meaning: ability to get or use something
Synonyms: availability
Example: Access to surgery is limited in some regions.
Task: Make a sentence using access.
Type: noun
Meaning: unfair difference between groups
Synonyms: imbalance
Example: Gender inequality affects health care.
Task: Create a sentence using inequality.
Type: noun
Meaning: basic systems needed for services
Synonyms: facilities
Example: Poor infrastructure limits medical care.
Task: Use infrastructure in a sentence.
The World Health Organization is urging governments to improve access to cataract surgery, as nearly half of those facing cataract-related blindness still lack treatment. Cataract remains one of the leading causes of avoidable blindness worldwide. Despite a 15% increase in global coverage over the past two decades, progress has not kept pace with ageing populations and rising cases. In regions with limited medical infrastructure, shortages of trained eye-care professionals and long waiting times continue to restrict access. The problem is also linked to inequality. Women are disproportionately affected and often have lower access to surgery than men. Financial barriers, lack of awareness, and distance from medical centers further widen the gap. Health experts emphasize integrating vision screening into primary health care and investing in rural services. Addressing inequality and strengthening infrastructure could significantly reduce preventable blindness.
Type: /əˈvɔɪdəbl ˈblaɪndnəs/
Meaning: type: noun
Meaning: vision loss that can be prevented
Synonyms: preventable blindness
Example: Cataract is a major cause of avoidable blindness.
Type: /ˈɛkwɪtəbl kɛər/
Meaning: type: noun
Meaning: fair access to health services
Synonyms: equal care
Example: Equitable care reduces disparities.
Type: /ˈpraɪməri hɛlθ kɛər/
Meaning: type: noun
Meaning: basic first-level health services
Synonyms: frontline care
Example: Cataract screening should be part of primary health care.
Example sentence: Rural populations are often left behind.
According to the World Health Organization, nearly half of individuals facing cataract-related avoidable blindness still lack access to life-changing surgery. Cataract surgery remains one of the most cost-effective medical interventions, yet disparities persist across regions. While global coverage has improved, it has not expanded fast enough to meet the target set by the World Health Assembly for 2030. The African Region faces the widest gap, with a large proportion of untreated cases. Women and marginalized populations are disproportionately affected, reflecting long-standing inequities in health systems. Expanding equitable care requires investment in surgical infrastructure, training and distribution of eye-care professionals, and reducing out-of-pocket costs. Integrating eye screening into primary health care can ensure early detection and timely referral. With sustained commitment and coordinated action, countries can close the gap and prevent millions of cases of avoidable blindness, restoring dignity, independence, and opportunity to those affected.