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Cataracts

Rising Economic Burden of Untreated Cataracts in the US Medicare Population

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The prevalence of cataracts in the US Medicare population has increased significantly over the past eight years, with a notable increase in the number of cases and the associated economic burden. According to a recent study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology, the number of cataract cases among Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older rose from 15.7 million in 2014 to 19.6 million in 2021. The study found that cataract cases were more prevalent among females than males, with a significant increase in the economic burden of untreated cataracts.

Key Takeaways:

  • The prevalence of cataract among Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older increased from 36.38% in 2014 to 37.03% in 2021.
  • The estimated national burden of cataract cases rose from 15.7 million in 2014 to 19.6 million in 2021.
  • Females showed a higher prevalence of cataracts than males (p = 0.001).
  • The economic burden of untreated cataracts increased from $26.1 billion in 2014 to $34.3 billion in 2021.
  • The study found that cataract cases were more prevalent among non-Hispanic white and non-Hispanic black populations compared to Hispanic and Asian populations.
  • The researchers concluded that the increasing economic burden of untreated cataracts underscores the need for targeted policies to improve equitable access to surgical care.

Statistics:

  • Prevalence of cataract among Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older: 36.38% in 2014 and 37.03% in 2021.
  • Estimated national burden of cataract cases: 15.7 million in 2014 and 19.6 million in 2021.
  • Economic burden of untreated cataracts: $26.1 billion in 2014 and $34.3 billion in 2021.
  • Increase in cataract cases among females: 9.5% between 2014 and 2021.
  • Increase in cataract cases among males: 6.2% between 2014 and 2021.

Sources:

  • Prevalence, Surgical Trends, and Economic Burden of Cataract in Medicare Population in the United States. American Journal of Ophthalmology, 2025.
  • Rohan Bir Singh, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Dept. of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
  • American Journal of Ophthalmology, Elsevier Science Inc, Ste 800, 230 Park Ave, New York, NY 10169, USA.

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