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SANTA ANA, Calif.—Johnson & Johnson Vision announced findings from an extensive new survey that assessed awareness of cataracts among adults around the world. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness globally, with more than 90 percent of people developing cataracts by age 65. Yet, the survey reveals a significant lack of understanding of treatment options, including surgical procedures, to correct vision loss from cataracts. Around the world, the majority (70 percent) of people said they are familiar with cataracts and even more know that surgery is the most common treatment option (85 percent).

However, among those diagnosed or who have symptoms of cataracts, only 30 percent of Americans surveyed said they would be very likely to undergo cataract surgery. The most cited reason for not wanting to undergo cataract surgery was fear. Of those surveyed, 29 percent stated they are afraid of undergoing a cataract procedure and have concerns about the effectiveness of surgery (28 percent). In addition, many expressed a lack of knowledge about cataract procedures altogether (22 percent).

Dr. Rajesh K. Rajpal, chief medical officer and global head of clinical and medical affairs, Johnson & Johnson Vision said, "For many people suffering with cataracts, the word ‘surgery’ can be intimidating. However, cataract surgery is safe and effective. In fact, it’s one of the most common outpatient procedures performed. This survey uncovered a critical need for increased education, dialogue and reassurance between patients, loved ones and eyecare providers.”

According to Johnson & Johnson research, three out of four patients diagnosed with cataracts only discovered information about the condition and their treatment options post-diagnosis.

Eric Donnenfeld, MD, clinical professor of ophthalmology, New York University said, “People need to know that cataracts are common and very effectively treated. The procedure is both safe and effective, with an extremely high success rate of improving patient vision. Additionally, cataract surgery techniques and technologies continue to evolve and advance, benefitting more patients than ever before.

"As eyecare professionals, it is up to us to educate our patients on treatment options for cataracts, and that includes easing their fears by providing educational resources in channels where they’re seeking out medical information—on social media and our practice websites,” he said.

Johnson & Johnson Vision encourages everyone to Prioritize Your Eyes a resource center on their site, to educate decisions for themselves or their loved ones' care and to understand options leading up to and following surgery. Through the Prioritize Your Eyes campaign, Johnson & Johnson Vision is providing resources to educate people about the benefits and safety of treating cataracts so patients can make more informed decisions.

Additionally, more information and tools for patients and caregivers can be found at BeyondCataracts.com including treatment information, an eyecare professional locator and an interactive tool to help choose a lens that’s best for each individual.

The survey was conducted online in August 2020 by TRUE Global Intelligence—the in-house research practice of FleishmanHillard—among more than 6,000 adults 18 years of age or older across the U.S., Japan, China, Germany, Russia, and the U.K. The full results of the latest Prioritize Your Eyes survey, an extensive study, are posted here.