世卫组织呼吁提高白内障手术可及性

Core Viewpoint - The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that nearly half of the individuals suffering from cataract-related blindness globally are unable to access surgical treatment, urging countries to accelerate actions to ensure millions of cataract patients receive necessary surgeries, which are among the most effective and economical interventions to prevent blindness [1] Group 1 - Cataracts cause vision impairment and blindness due to clouding of the eye's lens, with over 94 million people affected worldwide [1] - Cataract surgery is a simple procedure lasting only 15 minutes, capable of restoring patients' vision immediately and sustainably [1] - A new study published in The Lancet Global Health analyzed data from 68 countries and regions from 2003 to 2024, estimating the coverage rate of effective cataract surgeries, revealing that Africa has the largest surgical gap, with approximately three-quarters of patients in need not receiving treatment [1] Group 2 - WHO calls on governments, NGOs, and partners to take necessary measures to transform cataract surgery from an unattainable luxury for many patients into a universally accessible intervention through sustained investment and commitment [1]