What We Do

Cataract

Cataract, surgery, eye, recovery

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness around the world and affect 17 million people.

The lens of the eye, normally a clear round disk that focuses the light that enters the eye, becomes cloudy. Over time, the cataract grows and blocks more of the lens.

In many cases, cataracts are related to the aging process, though children can be born with the condition, or a cataract may develop after eye injuries, inflammation, and some other eye diseases. Although cataracts can be surgically removed, in many countries surgical services are inadequate. Cataract remains the leading cause of blindness.

Affects nearly 17 million people
Nearly 48% of all blindness is due to cataracts
Because 85% of the cataract-blinded people live in the world’s poorest countries, they can’t afford operations and remain blind.

How You Can Help

After a cataract eye surgery
Adult with cataracts being examined

A child in recovery from cataract eye surgery
Happy child after cataract surgery

Medical instruments for cataract eye surgery
Much needed medical supplies and equipment

Yes! I am committed to helping CBM continue to provide services to people with physical and mental disabilities in the poorest countries of the world.

Prevention & Treatment

Cataract surgery is a 12-minute procedure. The doctor removes the diseased lens and replaces it with an artificial lens. This procedure has the potential to restore sight to nearly half of all blind people in the world—more than 17 million, most of them living in poverty in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

CBM and its partners around the world have treated more then 2 million people for cataracts. Cataract surgeries can be performed for as little as $35 for an adult and $200 per child (young children require a hospital stay and anesthesia). In 2008, CBM ophthalmologists performed more than 600,000 cataract surgeries.

A Sample of Related CBM Projects

| Follow us on: Facebook Icon for Footer

Facebook