Chennai: Cataract is the single-largest factor for blindness in India. It accounts for nearly 63 percent of the total burden of vision impairment in the country according to a recent report of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). India has among the world’s highest proportion of blind people (numbering nearly 12 million) against 39 million globally — which makes India home to one-third of the world’s blind population.
Over 80 percent of blindness is preventable, but 42 percent of the population is unaware of any of the symptoms of eye-related problems as per a recent survey titled ‘More to See’. Medicos say that over 81 percent of blindness or visual impairment is seen in people aged 50 years and above, therefore, senior citizens need to be aware of the preventive measures and incorrect beliefs with regards to cataracts and their progression.
As per the study, over 96 percent Indians in the age group of 60 above revealed that when compared to touch, taste, scent and hearing, vision is the most important of the five senses, but they still consider regular eye checkups as unnecessary.
“Cataracts are age-related and the leading cause of vision impairment in people above 60 and people do not fully understand eye diseases and their progression. Especially, old people are unaware that age-related cataract is a progressive disease and a part of aging which can lead to visual impairment and blindness unless treated”, said eye specialist, Dr S Namitha.
More than 59 percent of the people believe that cataract can be prevented and 36 percent of them left it to heal over time. Equally concerning is that 54% of Indians surveyed incorrectly believed cataracts should be fully developed before treatment. However, medicos have a different say and emphasise on surgical treatments.
“While lifestyle factors may impact cataract, it’s a progressive disease that can only be treated by surgery. People 50 years and more need to get their eyes checked annually. Waiting isn’t the answer and if an individual has any symptoms, including blurry vision, an eye care professional should be consulted,” said Sandeep Bothra, surgical head at Alcon eye care.
