Cataract disease major concern for Kwale residents, say doctors

Cataracts used to affect people above 70 years but nowadays it comes early, and children are not exempted because some are born with the condition.

This is according to Kwale Eye Centre consultant ophthalmologist Dr Shabbir Abdulrasul and hospital’s administrator Verena Ndunda.

Cataract is a condition affecting the lens of the eye causing blurry vision.

The doctors said more Kwale residents are suffering from cataract disease and it is affecting both children and the elderly.

According to Ndunda, 90 out of 140 surgeries conducted in the facility yearly involving children are due to cataract disease.

Abdulrasul said the disease has become common because of injuries, unhealthy lifestyles, and natural phenomena unlike before when it was associated with old age.

Abdulrasul, however, said the disease can be treated with some surgery and medications.

The treatment often involves the removal of the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial one.

The doctor said the procedure is often safe and efficient since it involves a minor surgery.

Abdulrasul said other diseases are allergies, refractive errors and eye cancer. The most common eye cancer is for children.

He said they get at least two eye cancer cases for children in a month.

The doctor said the most common in children is retinoblastoma, a cancer that affects the back of the eye and is not easy to know.

Affected children normally have a white glow or reflection at the centre of their pupils (cat-like eyes).

Abdulrasul said the elderly also get eye cancer known as squamous cell cancer. It affects the front side of the eye, especially the conjunctiva.

He said squamous cell cancer is common in Africa among grownups because of too much sunlight.

The ophthalmologist advised residents to monitor their eye problems and seek medical assistance.

He said further delay in treating eye sickness could escalate to the worst, sometimes losing the eyes and life.

Abdulrasul said some early symptoms of an eye problem are itchiness, cloudy vision, redness, refractive error, and pain among others.

The expert said since the world is embracing digital technology people should be very cautious.

He said spending too much time on computers, televisions and smartphones could result in eye problems.

Abdulrasul said people should consider using sunglasses and anti-glare glasses to protect their eyes from strong sunlight and artificial light from electronic gadgets.

He said those using computers or phones for long hours should practice taking short breaks to relax the eye muscles.

"It is advised for people to take at least 30 seconds every 20 minutes to reduce eye strain. Try to look outside the wind for some time then get back to work," he said.

Ndunda urged residents to go for eye checkups at least once a year.

She warned residents against using traditional eye treatment methods adding that they are inefficient and very harmful.

"If you experience any eye issue, rush to the eye centre for medical examinations and get the appropriate treatment," she said.

She said people should also shun taking over-the-counter drugs before check-ups because side effects are very dangerous.

Ndunda said any misdiagnosis could aggravate the eye condition.

They made the remarks on Friday during the celebrations of 30 years of eye care since the facility began in Kwale county.