Health and Me

Ishita Srivastava

WHO Calls for Urgent Eye Care Push Over Cataract Surgery Gap

The <span>World Health Organization</span> (WHO) is urging countries to accelerate efforts to provide proper eye care, as a new Lancet Global Health study shows that nearly half of all people across the world facing cataract‑related blindness still need access to surgery.

As of now, statistical models predict that the global coverage of <span>cataract surgery</span> is set to increase by about 8.4 percent this decade. However, progress needs to accelerate sharply to meet the <span>World Health Assembly</span> target of a 30 percent increase by 2030.

Devora Kestel, Director, WHO Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health: "<span>Cataract</span> surgery is one of the most powerful tools we have to restore vision and transform lives. When people regain their sight, they regain independence, dignity, and opportunity."

The literature review, which analyzed reports from 68 country estimates for 2023 and 2024 shows that the African Region faces the greatest gap, with three in four people who need cataract surgery remaining untreated. 

Additionally, women are disproportionately affected across all regions, consistently experiencing lower access to care than men.

Researchers noted that the gap in access to surgery was mostly due to long-standing structural barriers, including shortages and unequal distribution of trained eye-care professionals, high out-of-pocket costs, long waiting times and limited awareness or demand for surgery, even where services exist.

In addition, while age is the primary risk factor for cataract, other contributors such as prolonged UV-B exposure, tobacco use, corticosteroid use and diabetes can accelerate its development.

<h2>What Is A Cataract?</h2>A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, which is usually clear. For people who develop cataracts, seeing through cloudy lenses is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. Clouded vision caused by cataracts can make it more difficult to read, drive a car at night or see afar. 

Most cataracts develop slowly and don't disturb eyesight early on. But with time, cataracts will eventually affect vision. Symptoms of cataracts include:

<ul><li>Clouded, blurred or dim vision.</li><li>Trouble seeing at night.</li><li>Sensitivity to light and glare.</li><li>Need for brighter light for reading and other activities.</li><li>Seeing "halos" around lights.</li><li>Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription.</li><li>Fading or yellowing of colors.</li><li>Double vision in one eye.</li></ul>

At first, stronger lighting and eyeglasses can help deal with cataracts. But if impaired vision affects usual activities, cataract surgery might be needed. Surgery is generally a safe, effective procedure.

<h2>Can Rising Pollution Levels In <span rel="noindex">India Worsen Eye</span> Health?</h2>As per a Press Trust Of India<em> </em>report, ophthalmologists have said to see a 60% surge in cases of eye problems. They are blaming this to the "toxic cocktail of smoke, particulate matter, and chemical residues from firecracker burning".

The doctors confirmed that most cases now appear with patients who have allergies, dryness, burning sensations and excessive watering in the eyes. The pollution is not only affecting children, but adults are also equally impacted.

Dr Ikeda Lal, Senior Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery Specialist at Delhi Eye Centre and Sir Ganga Ram Hospital told PTI: "Every year after Diwali, we brace for a rise in eye complaints. The number of patients complaining of itching, redness, and irritation has gone up by almost 50-60 per cent."

A study from 2022 published in the<em> </em>International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health<em> </em>notes the adverse effects of air pollution on the eyes. Air pollution is a mix of complex gas-phase pollutants and particles that are disbursed into the atmosphere and are harmful.

<ul><li>Sulfur dioxide</li><li>Nitrogen dioxide</li><li>Carbon dioxide</li><li>Nitrogen monoxide</li><li>Carbon monoxide</li><li>Nitrogen oxides</li><li>Particulate matter 2.5 or PM2.5</li><li>Particulate matter 10 or PM10</li></ul>

Air pollution is known to cause cardiovascular disorders, respiratory tract problems, ocular disease, neurologic disease, cancer, and even death, notes the study.

In terms of its impact on the eyes, the pollutants usually work as irritants, which can cause inflammation and irritation in the eyes. 

The cornea is the most sensitive structure in the human body due to its innervation in the ocular surface, which makes it extremely sensitive to environmental agents. The pollutants could thus cause conjunctivitis, which could become a frequent problem.

In addition to that, household pollution could also produce volatile organic compounds; for instance, formaldehyde could cause DNA damage in animal cells, and its carcinogenicity has been assessed by many studies too.

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The World Health Organization (WHO) is urging countries to accelerate efforts to provide proper eye care, as a new Lancet Global Health study shows that nearly half of all people across the world facing cataract‑related blindness still need access to surgery.As of now, statistical models predict that the global coverage of cataract surgery is set to increase by about 8.4 percent this decade. However, progress needs to accelerate sharply to meet the World Health Assembly target of a 30 percent increase by 2030.Devora Kestel, Director, WHO Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health: "Cataract surgery is one of the most powerful tools we have to restore vision and transform lives. When people regain their sight, they regain independence, dignity, and opportunity."The literature review, which analyzed reports from 68 country estimates for 2023 and 2024 shows that the African Region faces the greatest gap, with three in four people who need cataract surgery remaining untreated. Additionally, women are disproportionately affected across all regions, consistently experiencing lower access to care than men.Researchers noted that the gap in access to surgery was mostly due to long-standing structural barriers, including shortages and unequal distribution of trained eye-care professionals, high out-of-pocket costs, long waiting times and limited awareness or demand for surgery, even where services exist.In addition, while age is the primary risk factor for cataract, other contributors such as prolonged UV-B exposure, tobacco use, corticosteroid use and diabetes can accelerate its development.What Is A Cataract?A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, which is usually clear. For people who develop cataracts, seeing through cloudy lenses is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. Clouded vision caused by cataracts can make it more difficult to read, drive a car at night or see afar. Most cataracts develop slowly and don't disturb eyesight early on. But with time, cataracts will eventually affect vision. Symptoms of cataracts include:Clouded, blurred or dim vision.Trouble seeing at night.Sensitivity to light and glare.Need for brighter light for reading and other activities.Seeing "halos" around lights.Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription.Fading or yellowing of colors.Double vision in one eye.At first, stronger lighting and eyeglasses can help deal with cataracts. But if impaired vision affects usual activities, cataract surgery might be needed. Surgery is generally a safe, effective procedure.Can Rising Pollution Levels In India Worsen Eye Health?As per a Press Trust Of India report, ophthalmologists have said to see a 60% surge in cases of eye problems. They are blaming this to the "toxic cocktail of smoke, particulate matter, and chemical residues from firecracker burning".The doctors confirmed that most cases now appear with patients who have allergies, dryness, burning sensations and excessive watering in the eyes. The pollution is not only affecting children, but adults are also equally impacted.Dr Ikeda Lal, Senior Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery Specialist at Delhi Eye Centre and Sir Ganga Ram Hospital told PTI: "Every year after Diwali, we brace for a rise in eye complaints. The number of patients complaining of itching, redness, and irritation has gone up by almost 50-60 per cent."A study from 2022 published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health notes the adverse effects of air pollution on the eyes. Air pollution is a mix of complex gas-phase pollutants and particles that are disbursed into the atmosphere and are harmful.It comprises:Sulfur dioxideNitrogen dioxideCarbon dioxideNitrogen monoxideCarbon monoxideNitrogen oxidesParticulate matter 2.5 or PM2.5Particulate matter 10 or PM10Air pollution is known to cause cardiovascular disorders, respiratory tract problems, ocular disease, neurologic disease, cancer, and even death, notes the study.In terms of its impact on the eyes, the pollutants usually work as irritants, which can cause inflammation and irritation in the eyes. The cornea is the most sensitive structure in the human body due to its innervation in the ocular surface, which makes it extremely sensitive to environmental agents. The pollutants could thus cause conjunctivitis, which could become a frequent problem.In addition to that, household pollution could also produce volatile organic compounds; for instance, formaldehyde could cause DNA damage in animal cells, and its carcinogenicity has been assessed by many studies too.