Angela Onwuzoo
Eye care experts have warned that taking medications to treat cataracts without surgical intervention would cause more damage to the eyes.
According to them, the only available treatment option for cataracts, which is the most common cause of blindness in Nigeria, is surgery.
They noted that several claims on social media that cataracts could be cured without surgery are false and cautioned against embracing such beliefs to avoid total vision loss.
The ophthalmologists who spoke exclusively with Reportr Door Healthwise advised Nigerians living with eye impairment to avoid self-medication.
Surgery to treat cataracts, the eye specialists said, involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a synthetic new one, adding that the procedure is safe and very effective.
According to Sightsavers, an international charity working to prevent avoidable blindness, cataract is caused by a build-up of protein in the eye and usually develops because of old age.
It noted that cataracts can also be present from birth, but can also appear as a result of eye injuries or following an eye surgery for other optical challenges.
A Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Dr. Folasade Fasina, told our correspondent that cataracts are treated by removal of the cloudy lens and replacement with a clear artificial lens.
The retired Director, Health Services, Ogun State Hospitals Management Board, maintained that the removal can only be done through surgery, adding, “There are various methods of removal but all are surgical.
“Diagnosis is made when a doctor, an eye specialist, examines and carries out some tests on a patient complaining of blurred vision.
“Cataract is treated by an ophthalmologist who performs surgery on the eye. When the cataract is still small, vision can be improved with prescribed glasses, but the definitive treatment is surgery.
“But because it is caused by ageing, if a person eats well and ages very well, he or she may not develop cataracts early.”
According to the World Health Organisation, 65.2 million people worldwide are living with cataracts, the leading cause of blindness and vision impairment worldwide.
When a person develops a cataract, according to an online portal, Medical News Today, the normally clear lens in the eye becomes cloudy.
This, it noted, often occurs with age, but can also be caused by overexposure to the sun or an injury.
Smoking was also cited as a causative factor, as well as medical conditions like diabetes, and certain medications.
Dr. Fasina, the ophthalmologist, identified ageing, injury, certain inherited diseases and some metabolic disorders like diabetes mellitus as common causes of cataracts.
The eye specialist, who currently works at Foveola Eye Clinic, Bodija Ibadan, Oyo State, told our correspondent that a person diagnosed with cataracts should have it surgically removed by an ophthalmologist.
According to her, 43 per cent of all blindness is caused by cataracts.
“Results from the recent national blindness and visual impairment survey revealed that 1.8 per cent of adult Nigerians aged 40 and above have cataract-related blindness”, she added.
She urged persons diagnosed with cataracts to visit hospitals where an ophthalmologist can carry out surgical intervention.
Dr. Fasina also advised Nigerians experiencing problems with their eyes to visit the hospital, clinic or primary healthcare centres to have them examined and referred accordingly.
For those 40 years and above, the ophthalmologist implored them to have their eyes tested at least once a year.
According to Sightsavers, there are simple measures people can take to protect their eyes from cataracts.
It recommended, “Control your blood sugar and blood pressure if you are diabetic and hypertensive.
“Wear appropriate eyewear to shield the eyes from ultraviolet radiation from sunlight and other sources.
“Keep fit and maintain a healthy weight, quit smoking and use steroid-containing medications only on doctor’s orders.
“Protect your eyes from trauma during sports and avoid violence. Reduce your alcohol consumption and eat more fruits and vegetables.”
Another consultant ophthalmologist and a Lecturer at the Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Dr. Adegboyega Alabi, said surgery is generally a safe and effective procedure to overcome cataracts.
He said, “Most cataracts grow slowly and don’t disturb your eyesight early but with time, they will eventually interfere with vision and may eventually lead to blindness if not attended to on time.
“Initially, stronger eyeglasses can help you to deal with cataracts but if impaired vision impedes your normal activities, you might need cataract surgery.”
In a 2022 study carried out at the Anglia Ruskin University, United Kingdom by a team of International scientists, a new treatment was discovered.
The researchers explained that the new treatment could pave the way for cataracts to be treated with drugs instead of the currently required surgery.
They noted that their findings were a significant step forward in treating the condition with just drugs.
The lead author, Professor Barbara Pierscionek said, “It is the first research of this kind in the world.
“It has shown that there is a remarkable difference and improvement in optics between eyes with the same type of cataract that was treated with the compound compared to those that were not.
“Improvements occurred in some types of cataracts but not in all, indicating that this may be a treatment for specific cataracts.
The study was published in the journal Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science.
Copyright Reportr Door
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from Reportr Door.
Contact: [email protected]
Leave a Reply