Some research in Australia found that:

 

 

 

 

 

Source:
Mitchell P, Cumming RG, Attebo K, et al.
Prevalence of cataract in Australia: the Blue Mountains eye study.
Ophthalmology. 1997; 104: 581-588.

 

 

 

 

 

¹

In the United States, 5 in 100 people have poor sight from cataracts by the age of 65. But by the age of 75, about half of people have problems seeing because of cataracts.

 

 

 

 

 

Source:
Mitchell P, Cumming RG, Attebo K, et al.
Prevalence of cataract in Australia: the Blue Mountains eye study.
Ophthalmology. 1997; 104: 581-588.

 

 

 

 

 

¹

If your family is from India or another South Asian country, you have a higher chance of getting cataracts.

 

 

 

 

 

Source:
Congdon NG.
Prevention strategies for age related cataract: present limitations and future possibilities.
British Journal of Ophthalmology. 2001; 85: 5.

 

 

 

 

 

² And you might get cataracts at a younger age, too.

In countries with good health care, such as the United States, cataracts are usually cured by surgery. But around the world, cataracts are the main cause of blindness. Worldwide, about 40 in 100 people who can't see are blind because of cataracts. The condition causes blindness in more than 15 million people.

 

 

 

 

 

Source:
Thylefors B, Negrel AD, Pararajasegaram R, et al.
Global data on blindness.
Bulletin of the World Health Organization. 1995; 73: 115-121.

 

 

 

 

 

³

Blindness from cataracts happens mainly in countries that have limited health care, such as those in Asia and Africa. Most of the people from these countries wouldn't go blind if they had access to surgery.

 

 

 

 

 

Source:
Javitt JC, Wang F, West SK.
Blindness due to cataract: Epidemiology and prevention.
Annual Review of Public Health. 1996; 17: 159-177.

 

 

 

 

 

⁴ In the United States and the United Kingdom, less than 4 in 100 people who can't see are blind because of cataracts.

The information on ConsumerReportsHealth.org should not be viewed as a substitute for a consultation with a medical or health professional. The information is meant to enhance communication with your doctor, not replace it. Consumers Union can not be liable for any loss, injury, or other damages related to your use of this information.

Your use of this information is subject to our User Agreement available at www.ConsumerReportsHealth.org.