Millions of Africans continue to live with visual impairment and blindness, even though many of these conditions can be prevented or treated through relatively simple interventions such as cataract surgery and corrective glasses, according to a new study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Africa.
The study analyzed data from 91 population-based studies involving more than 340,000 people across Africa. Researchers found that approximately 9.5% of the population experiences visual impairment, while 1.9% are blind.
“Treatable conditions, notably cataracts and refractive errors, account for most vision loss in Africa,” the researchers wrote.
The study found that cataracts remain the leading cause of both blindness and visual impairment on the continent. Uncorrected refractive errors, vision problems that can often be corrected with spectacles, were identified as another major contributor to poor eyesight.
Researchers also observed significant disparities between urban and rural populations. People living in rural areas were found to experience higher rates of both blindness and visual impairment than those living in cities, largely due to limited access to eye care services and trained specialists.
Women were also found to carry a slightly greater burden of vision loss than men. Although the difference was not statistically significant, researchers noted that social and economic barriers often make it more difficult for women to access eye care services.
The study also points to a major shift in the causes of blindness in Africa. While infectious diseases such as trachoma and river blindness once dominated the continent’s eye health landscape, public health interventions have significantly reduced their impact. Today, non-communicable eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related eye diseases are becoming increasingly common.
“The evidence indicates that while significant progress has been made in reducing blinding diseases like onchocerciasis and trachoma, the burden of cataracts and uncorrected refractive errors remains unacceptably high.”
Among children and adolescents, the researchers found that most cases of visual impairment were linked to uncorrected refractive errors, suggesting that routine vision screening in schools could help prevent learning difficulties and improve educational outcomes.
The study further warns that visual impairment is increasing over time, even though blindness rates have remained relatively stable. Without major investments in eye health services, the absolute number of people affected by vision loss is expected to grow as Africa’s population continues to expand.
A critical challenge identified by the researchers is the shortage of eye health professionals across the continent. Many African countries have very few ophthalmologists, optometrists, and ophthalmic nurses, particularly in rural communities where the need is often greatest. “The high prevalence of visual impairment is particularly concerning.”
The study authors say expanded cataract surgery programs, increased access to affordable spectacles, stronger eye health systems, and improved data collection to guide policy decisions will be important in tackling this problem. “The findings reinforce the urgency of integrated, sustainable eye-health systems aligned with Universal Health Coverage goals.”