Did You Know? – Cataract Edition

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?

1. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide.
2. In Nigeria, cataracts are responsible for up to 50% of all cases of blindness?
3. Cataract surgery is one of the most performed surgeries worldwide.
4. Smoking doubles your risk of developing cataracts.
5. In Nigeria, women are more likely to be blind from cataracts than men?
6. Cataracts can’t be prevented, but lifestyle choices can delay them.

Tips to Delay Cataract Development

1. Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays
2. Maintain a Healthy Diet
3. Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol
4. Manage Health Conditions
5. Get Regular Eye Exams
6. Avoid Long-Term Use of Steroids (Unless Prescribed)