These physical and, especially, the psychosocial implications of visual impairment and blindness cannot be accurately quantified in monetary terms. However, they do erode the quality of life of both the affected individuals and their families. A study in the UK indicated that visually disabled people were poorer on average, had lower educational levels, lower employment and less social life than sighted people. These findings probably hold true in all societies. Also, in African settings, it has been reported that blind persons die earlier compared to sighted population.
Cataracts are the most common cause of avoidable blindness.
Worldwide, there are an estimated 16 million persons who are blind as a result of cataracts. The majority of these people live in the rural areas of economically developing countries. The burden on the country is significant. In the absence of any preventive measures that can be applied in a public health setting, the only recourse is surgery. The costs of cataract surgery vary depending on the country, the technology used, and whether the surgery involves hospitalization.