Cataract

Eye for Zambia helps with setting up an operation program to make cataract operations possible

Cataracts are formed when the lens becomes cloudy, usually occuring in the elderly. This happens rarely in children, but when it does there are major consequences for the child. The developement of a cataract is a gradual process (in both eyes) where the sight becomes less clear. The lens becomes eventually white (opaque) and people can then see only light and dark. In The Netherlands a cataract operation is a standard procedure.

The relatively simple treatment of cataract is not possible for many people in Zambia

At this moment, in southern Zambia, at maxium 500 cataract operations are performed annually. This is not enough because there are atleast 8,300 people who see poorly or are blind due to cataracts. This number increases annually.

"A cataract operation is one of the most successful and cost effective operations in history" - the world bank

Well trained health workers in the villages can detect cataracts using a flashlight. Then the patient would be sent to the eye clinic. Both the presurgery procedcure as well as the cataract operation need a good infrastructure, equiptment and technical skills. Post operative care and follow-up would take place in the eye clinic.