Researchers surveyed a random sample of 1,547 patients aged 65 and over from 17 general practices in north London.
Cataracts can cause blindness if untreated, but sight can be restored.
In total, almost nine out of ten people who could have benefited from treatment had not sought help. The results of the study have been published in the British Medical Journal. Unsatisfactory situation Report co-author Dr Darwin Minassian, of the Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, said the problem was particularly acute in deprived areas. It seems that some people have a peculiar perspective on the extent to which their vision has diminished and on the point at which help should be sought. This is especially true when vision is going down gradually and the problem is limited to one eye.