In the WHO priority eye diseases, the single leading cause of avoidable blindness globally and in India is:
- A Trachoma
- B Glaucoma
- C Cataract ✓
- D Diabetic retinopathy
Correct answer: C. Cataract
Explanation
Cataract remains the leading cause of both blindness and visual impairment globally and in India, accounting for approximately 33% of all blindness worldwide (WHO 2020 IAPB data). Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness; trachoma is the leading infectious cause. In India, cataract contributed to ~62–66% of blindness in older surveys. Diabetic retinopathy is increasing in prevalence but has not overtaken cataract.
Reference: Khurana Comprehensive Ophthalmology, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.