A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye from transparent to opaque, preventing light from entering the eye and thus affecting vision. Initially, the clouding has little effect on vision, but it gradually worsens, significantly affecting vision or even blindness.
Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide. About 20 million people in the world are now blind due to cataracts, and another 100 million cataract patients need surgery to restore their vision, and in most African and Asian countries, cataracts account for at least half of the blind. According to the results of our survey, cataracts are also the leading eye disease causing blindness in China.
Cataracts have many causes: some are congenital cataracts (mostly seen in children), eye trauma can also lead to cataracts, and certain internal diseases can also cause cataracts. The incidence of senile cataracts is 60-70% for those aged 50 to 60, 80% for those aged 70 and above, and almost 100% for those aged 80 and above.
With the increase of life expectancy in the world, the number of cataract patients will continue to increase. The most effective method of cataract treatment is surgery. The vast majority of patients can successfully regain their vision through surgical treatment.