Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision China supported a public welfare activity in China, aimed at raising awareness of cataracts to protect the eyes of the Chinese public.

Joining hands with China Primary Health Care Foundation and leading medical journal Medical Doctor Weekly, Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision China issued a research report on the 2021 China Cataract Perception, Diagnosis and Treatment.

Despite cataracts being the leading cause of blindness in China, the nation's eye healthcare professionals say six in 10 newly diagnosed cataract patients still lack proper understanding about the disease, according to the report.

According to the survey, ophthalmologists in China often have to correct misconceptions from patients around cataract prevalence and treatment. Common misconceptions brought up by patients include that surgery must not be done until cataracts are fully developed, that medication can cure cataracts and that patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, glaucoma or other diseases cannot undergo surgery.

According to China's ophthalmologists, many cataract patients postpone seeking treatments due to fear of invasive treatment methods, lack of confidence in positive surgery outcomes, and general lack of education around available surgical technology.

The results demonstrated a pressing need to improve disease education and access to information for cataract patients, with the disease affecting 80 percent of those aged 60 to 89, and 90 percent of those aged above 90 in China.

Dang Guangfu, director of the Ophthalmology Department at First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, said: "It is critical that patients seek their ophthalmologists' professional advice in choosing the best treatment solution and lens option to acquire clear sight."

"With the advance of technology, there are different intraocular lens options to meet the personalized needs of patients. For example, patients in strong need of dynamic vision for sports or driving may consider a continuous visual range intraocular lens," he added.

"The research shed light on China's cataract patients' need for more disease education, and the industry's expectations for more innovative treatment solutions," said Wang Liping, vice-president of Australia & New Zealand, China Mainland, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and Taiwan Region for Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision.

"As a leader in the global eye health sector, we have an important mission to help people all around the world to see better, connect better and live better. We are committed to doing this by continuing our efforts in bettering cataract disease education and developing innovative technologies, solutions and services to help cataract patients regain their precious sight," he said.