Background: cataract is the most common age-related eye disease and the most treatable cause of visual impairment and blindness in adults. Aim of the work: this study aimed to assess the knowledge of Saudi population in Albaha city about cataract and its risk factors. Methods: this was a cross-sectional study that included a representative sample of 756 adults of the Saudi population in this region. Participants answered self-administered questionnaires consisting of items assessing the knowledge about cataract. Results: nearly half of the studed sample (50.5%) misunderstood cataract as a white membrane growing over the eye, while only 222 (29.4%) realized it as an increase in eye lens opacity. Moreover, this study revealed clearly deficient knowledge in the studied population about risk factors of cataract. High percent of participants (84%) did not know that incidence of cataract increases with positive family history. Likewise, there was a shortage of knowledge about the relationship of malnutrition, dehydration, hypertension and ultraviolet rays and the development of cataract. Fortunately, considerable numbers considered cataract as an age related disease and recognized that diabetes mellitus is a major precipitating factor to cataract. Conclusion: Saudi population in Albaha city had poor knowledge towards cataract and its risk factors. Hence, great efforts should be made to increase the knowledge and awareness of the general public about this disease.