Clearing the Fog: Understanding Cataracts and Why Treatment Should be Global

Sight is considered to be one of the most important senses that we have. It is the gateway through which we experience the world. From the vibrant colours of nature to the ability to take in information, our eyes are at the core of our day-to-day life. Thus, looking after our eyes and ensuring we have healthy eyes is paramount. 

One of the biggest buzzwords, around the world, when it comes to eye health is ‘Cataracts’! A word that has connotations of fear in some societies and in others, it is seldom discussed. This needs to change. Cataracts are nothing to be scared of, they are a common and treatable condition, but without the correct education, knowledge and attention, can lead to a reduced quality of life and blindness. 

In this article I will talk a little bit about what cataracts are, their global impact, treatment and its accessibility and finally, what needs to be done about it and how Who is Hussain has been involved in the treatment of cataracts. 

What are cataracts and why do they seem so scary?

Cataracts are like clouds that form in the lens of your eye, making it hard to see clearly. This happens because proteins in the lens clump together, blocking light and causing blurry vision. If left untreated, cataracts can eventually lead to blindness. As we age, our eyes naturally change, and cataracts become more common. However, other factors like genetics, injuries to the eye, and certain lifestyle choices can also contribute to their development. 

This means that cataracts can affect anyone, no matter where they live or what they do. In addition to age, genetics, eye injuries, and lifestyle, choices such as smoking and excessive UV exposure can also play a role in the development of cataracts. For example, smoking increases the risk of cataracts by promoting oxidative stress in the eye, while prolonged exposure to UV radiation without protection can accelerate the formation of cataracts. Moreover, cataracts can have a significant impact on daily life beyond just vision impairment. People with cataracts may experience difficulties with activities like driving, reading, or recognising faces, which can affect their independence and quality of life. Furthermore, untreated cataracts can lead to other complications such as glaucoma or retinal detachment, further compromising vision and eye health. Thus we find that cataracts as a condition can affect anyone, there is no particular subset of society that will only be affected. As a result, it is important to have treatment available for all. 

What are the treatment options? 

It is the treatment of cataracts that is the main focal point of this article. We have all heard of this condition existing but it is the confusion around what can be done, how it can be diagnosed, how accessible the treatment is that is important to note. I would be unopposed in saying that every human being should be afforded the facilities for cataracts to be detected and thereafter, treated. 

Surgical intervention stands as the primary treatment for cataracts, offering patients the opportunity to restore clarity to their vision and reclaim their quality of life. During cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens is skillfully removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens (IOL). This procedure is remarkably effective and has evolved to become increasingly minimally invasive over the years. Patients typically experience rapid recovery times, with many noticing improvements in their vision almost immediately after surgery.

However, despite the effectiveness of cataract surgery, accessibility to treatment remains a pressing concern, particularly in regions with limited resources and infrastructure. Financial constraints pose a significant barrier to care, as the cost of surgery and post-operative care may be prohibitive for many individuals, especially in low and middle-income countries. Additionally, the lack of specialised eye care facilities and trained healthcare professionals in underserved areas further compounds the issue, limiting access to timely diagnosis and treatment. Moreover, cultural beliefs and misconceptions surrounding cataracts can influence healthcare-seeking behaviour, with some individuals choosing to forego treatment due to fears or stigma associated with surgery. 

Ensuring universal access to cataract treatment is not only a matter of improving vision but also a crucial step towards promoting social and economic development. By prioritising efforts to overcome barriers to care and advocating for equitable access to treatment, we can empower individuals to live healthier, more fulfilling lives and work towards a future where preventable blindness is eradicated worldwide.

Who is Hussain has undertaken this responsibility in certain countries and regions such as Mbeya in Tanzania to help deliver cataract surgeries to adults who, without the treatment or education around cataracts, assumed one of two things. Whether that they were blind, or that the limited way in which they perceived the world was the same as everyone else. This is just a small step in the right direction. When we have a condition that has such a life-changing impact on our life yet is easy to detect and so simple to treat, we have a duty to help the societies in which treatment is lacking. 

Everyone deserves to see the colours of life.