With the NHS putting strict restrictions on cataract surgery, thousands of elderly people will bear the brunt by jeopardizing their eyesight.

In 2011 in some areas, there was a decrease of about a quarter in the number of operations that the health service.

According to research by the Royal National Institute of Blind People, as compared to national guidelines, there are tougher restrictions imposed by about 50 per cents NHS trusts in England as they have set their own criteria for the surgery.

It has been seen that despite an increase in the aging population, there has been a major reduction in the number of people getting cataract surgeries.

Labour health spokesman Andy Burnham, who will raise the figures in Parliament, said, Cutting back on cataract surgery was a false economy as untreated patients are more likely to suffer falls or need social care."

According to the campaigners, the waiting time for elders is increasing as they are made to wait until their eyesight deteriorates to the point where they are no longer able to drive before they can have cataracts removed.