Healthcare and active ageing: patient choice in cataract care

To address healthy ageing appropriately, policy makers have prioritised prevention measures as well as age related diseases. Among these diseases, Cataract, which is the clouding of the lens of the eye (the Crystalline lens), is the major cause of vision impairment for senior citizens, with at least one in two being affected.

KEY POINTS

The European Union and its Member States share common challenges and opportunities during the current times of economic crisis. Across all Member States and EU institutions the ageing of the population and the financial challenges have been set as overall priorities affecting all societal sectors. Particular attention has been paid to the notion of active and healthy ageing and this is now understood as being one of the main factors to contain the economic burden of ageing related diseases on healthcare budgets.