Afghanistan's Ministry of Public Health says approximately 60% of cases of blindness in the country are linked to cataracts. Figures released by the ministry on October 8, World Sight Day, indicated that more than 600,000 people are blind and approximately 1.5 million have various forms of visual impairment.
According to Pajhwok, Deputy Health Minister Abdul Wali Haqqani presented the information during an awareness event on eye health and the protection of vision. He identified the prevention of blindness and access to eye treatment as major public health priorities.
World Sight Day is observed every year on the second Thursday of October to raise awareness of eye diseases and the importance of timely examinations and treatment. Cataract treatment can be effective for many patients, although each patient needs an individual medical assessment.
The blindness and visual impairment figures are attributed to the ministry's statement; they are not being presented as findings of a new independent national census or verified survey.