The Medical Superintendent of Effiduase Government Hospital in the Sekyere East District of Ashanti Region, Dr David Antwi-Agyei has bemoaned over the high rate of cataracts in the district.
Speaking to this portal in an interview during a Free Cataract Surgeries programme, organized by Effiduase Government Hospital in collaboration with National Eye Care Secretariat and Himalayan Cataract Project, Dr David Antwi-Agyei said the disease is a threat to human life in the district since many of the affected residents could go blind in the near future.
The Sekyere East is among the districts in Ghana with high rate of cataract infections according to the Ghana Health Service (GHS).
Statistics shows that, 10 out of 100 people have been affected by the eye disease in Sekyere East district. The National stats also indicates that there is cataract in 5 out 100 people nation wide.
As a result, Dr David Antwi-Agyei believes there is the need for all Ghanaians to rise with support in the fight against the canker.
He said, those affected individuals when healed can also contribute their quota to economic activities of the country.
The Free Cataract Surgeries
Over 130 individuals in the Sekyere East District who got blind as a result of the disease had a successful surgery during the Free Cataract Surgery program.
What is a cataract?
According to Mayo Clinic, a cataract is when your eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy. Proteins in your lens break down and cause things to look blurry, hazy or less colorful.
Clouded vision caused by cataracts can make it more difficult to read, drive a car (especially at night) or see the expression on a friend’s face. Most cataracts develop slowly and don’t disturb your eyesight early on. But with time, cataracts will eventually interfere with your vision.
At first, stronger lighting and eyeglasses can help you deal with cataracts. But if impaired vision interferes with your usual activities, you might need cataract surgery. Fortunately, cataract surgery is generally a safe, effective procedure.
Source: Oyerepafmonline.com/Joseph Amoateng
