What is a Cataract? Understanding the Leading Cause of Blindness in Mongolia

Seeing the World Through a Clouded Window

Imagine looking through a foggy window every day. Shapes are blurred, colors seem faded, and the light feels too bright. This is what life with cataracts can feel like. Cataract is the clouding of the natural lens inside the eye, and it is the leading cause of blindness in Mongolia, especially among older adults.

What Causes Cataracts?

Cataracts develop slowly as we age, but they can also be linked to:

• Excessive sunlight exposure (UV rays)

• Eye injuries or previous eye surgery

• Diabetes and other health conditions

• Long-term use of certain medications, such as steroids

In Mongolia’s high-altitude environment, with strong sunlight and dust exposure, cataracts are especially common.

Common Symptoms

You may have cataracts if you notice:

• Blurry or cloudy vision

• Trouble seeing at night or in dim light

• Sensitivity to bright light or glare

• Colors looking faded or yellowed

• Double vision in one eye

At first, glasses may help—but once the cataract becomes advanced, only surgery can restore clear vision.

Why Surgery and Training Local Surgeons Matters

Cataract surgery replaces the cloudy lens with a clear artificial one, bringing back sharp vision. For many people, this simple operation means the difference between dependency and independence, between isolation and participation in community life.

But in Mongolia, not everyone can easily access cataract surgery. Many patients must travel long distances to Ulaanbaatar, leaving rural populations underserved. That’s why it is so important to train Mongolian ophthalmology residents in-country. By equipping local doctors with surgical skills, care can reach provincial hospitals and patients no longer need to travel far for treatment.

Organizations such as Laurel Surgical Foundation (LSF) are supporting residency training, wet-lab practice, and surgical mentorship, ensuring that the next generation of Mongolian eye surgeons can provide safe and effective cataract care where it is needed most.

Protecting Mongolia’s Vision

Cataracts are common, but blindness from cataracts doesn’t have to be. By spreading awareness, encouraging early check-ups, and supporting the training of local ophthalmologists, Mongolia can protect the vision of its people. Ensuring that clear sight remains within reach for all.