Cataracts occur in people worldwide. Although cataracts are
one of the leading causes of blindness in the world, in places such
as the United States and Europe they rarely cause blindness because
they are treated. However, due to low level of health education,
poor economy, and lack of services, cataracts do cause significant
blindness in countries such as Africa.
“When the hair turns gray, the eyes turn gray,” said
Steven J. Mattas, MD from Bennett & Bloom Eye Centers, as he
explained the philosophy of many Africans he encountered on his
10-year ophthalmic mission in Uganda where he established the country's
first eye hospital. “Due to funds and technology, resources
treating cataracts in Africa are different from the US.”
Dr. Mattas explained that in our society, cataract surgery has evolved
into a highly sophisticated technological procedure. “We
can accurately calculate the power of an intraocular lens implant,
perform the operation through a tiny incision with the use of modern
phacoemulsification equipment, and enjoy a rapid recovery. Due
to the great expense and maintenance of this sophisticated equipment,
this technique is impractical for use in most of Africa. There
are no technical representatives available for equipment service
and with most Africans having an annual income of only $200 this
operation is unaffordable.”
A manual cataract surgery technique is typically used in developing
countries. There are no machines that require power and servicing
so cost is minimal, although visual recovery takes much longer.
There is another problem: many people in developing countries
do not even realize they can have their cataracts removed, leaving
countless people going blind.
In recognition of August as Cataract Awareness Month, Bennett &
Bloom Eye Centers wants to educate people on the fact that they
do not have to live with vision loss due to cataracts. We
live in a country that offers the education and technology to treat
such conditions as cataracts.
“There are many barriers for patients to overcome to receive
cataract surgery in Africa,” Dr. Mattas said. “We
are very fortunate in the USA to receive comparatively miraculous
care. Cataract surgery with no needles, no stitch and no patch
makes minimal inconvenience in our busy lives.”
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