Cataract Epidemiology and Prevention: Strategies for Reducing Global Burden

Cataract, characterized by the clouding of the eye's clear lens, is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. To achieve optimal image quality on the retina, the human lens and cornea must first refract light accurately. With aging, the human lens undergoes physical, biochemical, and morphological changes, leading to opacification. The primary mechanisms of cataract formation involve the modification, aggregation, and precipitation of crystalline. While most cataracts result from age-related degeneration, they can also arise secondary to trauma or as a consequence of other diseases, though cataracts are rare in children. This review article provides an in-depth examination of the anatomy and physiology of the lens, different types of cataracts—including diabetic, pediatric, and age-related cataracts—and the management of cataracts through surgical and pharmacological treatments.