Did you know... cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide?
- Cataracts account for about 51% of global blindness, affecting over 65 million people. (Source: World Health Organization)
Did you know... in Nigeria, cataracts are responsible for up to 50% of all cases of blindness?
- Nigeria has an estimated 1.13 million blind adults, and cataracts remain the number one cause, largely due to limited access to surgery and eye care. (Sources: Nigerian National Blindness and Visual Impairment Survey, WHO Africa)
Did you know... cataract prevalence increases significantly with age?
- By age 80, more than half of all people either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.
Did you know... cataracts can begin forming as early as age 40?
- Early lens changes are common in midlife and may progress slowly over time.
Did you know... cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries worldwide?
- Over 20 million surgeries are done annually, with a very high success rate in restoring vision.
Did you know... UV exposure increases cataract risk?
- Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses can help reduce your risk significantly.
Did you know... diabetes increases your risk of early-onset cataracts?
- High blood sugar alters the lens structure, accelerating cataract development.
Did you know... smoking doubles your risk of developing cataracts?
- Smoking increases oxidative stress in the lens, leading to faster clouding.
Did you know... in Nigeria, women are more likely to be blind from cataracts than men?
- Cultural and economic barriers often delay women’s access to cataract surgery.
Did you know... cataracts can’t be prevented, but lifestyle choices can delay them?
- Healthy eating, regular eye exams, UV protection, and not smoking all help.
Did You Know?
- Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide.
- In Nigeria, cataracts are responsible for up to 50% of all cases of blindness?
- Cataract surgery is one of the most performed surgeries worldwide.
- Smoking doubles your risk of developing cataracts.
- In Nigeria, women are more likely to be blind from cataracts than men?
- Cataracts can’t be prevented, but lifestyle choices can delay them.
Tips to Delay Cataract Development
- Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays
- Maintain a Healthy Diet
- Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol
- Manage Health Conditions
- Get Regular Eye Exams
- Avoid Long-Term Use of Steroids (Unless Prescribed)