Estimates Based on Self Report 

Based on data from the 1996 National Health Interview Survey, 15% of persons 

between 65 74 (2.8 million) and 20% of persons ages 75 and older (2.7 million) 

self report the presence of cataracts (Adams, Hendershot, & Marano, 1999). 

Worldwide Estimates 

According to the World Health Organization (1997c), cataracts are the leading 

cause of blindness in the world. 

Cataract accounts for an estimated 16 million cases of blindness worldwide; it 

accounts for 1/2 of all cases in most countries of Africa and Asia (World Health 

Organization, 1997c). 

Cost 

Cataract surgery is the most frequently performed surgical procedure among 

Medicare beneficiaries.  Furthermore, among Medicare beneficiaries, cataract is 

the most common condition for which eyecare services are sought, accounting for 

43 percent of visits to ophthalmologists and optometrists combined (National 

Advisory Eye Council, 1998, p. 60).  

In 1991, Medicare spent an estimated $3.4 billion for 1.35 million episodes of 

cataract surgery (Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, 1993). 

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