Cataract Management in the Modern Era: Therapeutic Advances and Unmet Needs

Cataract remains one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. Studies have shown that its onset is predominantly age-related, particularly affecting the elderly. According to the latest report by the World Health Organization (WHO), more than fifty percent of global blindness cases are attributed to cataracts alone. If timely and appropriate measures are not implemented, this percentage is projected to double in the coming decades. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop alternative approaches to manage cataracts more effectively, beyond the current reliance on surgical intervention. In recent years, researchers have been actively exploring simpler, non-surgical treatment options that could potentially dissolve cataracts in their early stages. The successful development of such therapies would mark a significant breakthrough and offer immense benefits to humanity. This article highlights the evolution of surgical techniques used in cataract management, from traditional practices to modern innovations, while also discussing emerging non-invasive strategies such as lanosterol-based pharmacotherapy, nanomedicine-driven drug delivery systems, and regenerative approaches like stem cell therapy. These advances signal a promising future for safer, more accessible, and more effective cataract care.