What are cataracts?
Cataracts are caused by a build-up of protein that clouds the eye’s lens, which can lead to blurred vision and eventual blindness.
Cataracts are often thought to only affect older people, but in developing countries they are a huge problem for children too.
Cataracts can be present from birth, or may develop as a result of eye injuries or following eye surgery for other problems. Although cataracts are not difficult to treat, it’s vital for children that the condition is caught in time or it can cause the eye to stop developing, meaning sight can never be properly restored.
How are cataracts treated?
Surgery
A cataract operation takes as little as 20 minutes to complete.
Watch a time-lapse of the surgery
Replacement
During the operation, the clouded lens is removed and a new artificial lens is implanted inside the eye.
Recovery
Vision can start to return within a few hours of surgery.
Watch Rose's reaction after surgery
What we’re doing
We aim to make it easier for people to be treated for cataracts, especially in poorer areas of developing countries, where surgery is not always readily available.
We also want to improve the quality of cataract surgery and increase the number of operations that are able to be performed.
To achieve this, we’re working to strengthen community health programmes and increase the number of surgeons, nurses and community workers trained in eye health, as well as educating local people about the condition and explaining where to get treatment.
In 2017, Sightsavers supported more than 316,000 cataract operations around the world. Since our work began in 1950, we have supported 6.6 million cataract operations, and trained more than 1,000 surgeons to perform the operations.
We need your help to save the sight of people with cataracts. An eye examination to screen someone for a range of eye conditions costs less than a cup of coffee, and could be the first step towards restoring their vision.
Zamurrad’s story
Zamurrad’s life ground to a halt when she developed cataracts, but a straightforward operation gave her back her independence.
Read her storyYou can help save someone’s sight
Help save someone’s sight
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August highlights: updates from around the world
The latest from Kenya, where Sightsavers staff have been carrying out eye screenings in a refugee camp in Turkana. Plus news from India and Nigeria.
Winesi’s update
After years of fear and struggle, Winesi and his family have found happiness and hope for the future thanks to a cataract operation funded by people like you.
July highlights: updates from around the world
An update from Benin, where eye care staff have been travelling 3km on foot to treat ‘the disease at the end of the road’. Plus news from Nigeria, Pakistan and more.
