Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world

The research was carried out by the University of Otago, Adapt Research and Tairawhiti District Health Board. Cataracts cause the eye’s natural lens to become cloudy, causing hazy, blurry or less colourful vision.

Research shows people with cataracts are twice as likely to fall and therefore add additional pressure to the healthcare system as well as potentially begin to suffer with depression and isolation. The researcher Mr Boyd said

"That it is a very good investment of the health dollar because the benefits through falls that could be prevented and the improvement in vision is very good in comparison to some other health interventions."

“The problem of cataracts is only going to increase as the population ages. 27 million cataract operations are carried out each year globally, making it the world’s leading procedure."

Read more about how they propose to tackle this challenge in New Zealand here: https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/clearing-cataract-surgery-wait-list-would-reduce-number-accidental-falls-third-research-suggests

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