Blindness up in Acholi

Dec 28, 2006

CATARACT, a disease that causes blindness by clouding the eye, is on the increase in Acholi sub-region.

By Patrick Jaramogi

CATARACT, a disease that causes blindness by clouding the eye, is on the increase in Acholi sub-region.

Dr. Ben Watmon, the regional ophthalmologist, told the bi-annual planning meeting for eye specialists at Acholi Inn yesterday that 647 patients were examined between July and December 2006.

He said a survey carried out in the last six months in the region indicated a rise in cataract cases.

“In the survey carried out in the 11 outreaches in the region, we found 633 normal eyes, 24 cases of trauma, 116 cases of refractive errors and 633 diagnosis indicated blinding conditions due to cataract,” he explained.

Watmon said cataract cases accounted for 416 (65%) of the screened cases.

The nursing officer for the eye department, Evelyn Grace Adero, said 429 male cases (51%) were examined while female cases were 413 (49%).

The senior programme officer of Lions Aid Norway, Dr. Noa Poya, said by 2009, at least 4,000 operations on cataract would have been conducted in the region.

“As Lions Aid Norway winds up its operations by 2009, it is important that you create avenues for sustainability,” Poya told the meeting.

Lions Aid Norway has supported construction of five eye departments at the regional referral hospitals in Masaka, Mbale, Lira, Arua and Gulu districts and equipped them.

It has also constructed eye-care outpatients departments in Apac, Yumbe, Nebbi and Moroto.

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens, the part of the eye responsible for focusing light and producing clear, sharp images. The lens is contained in a sealed bag or capsule.

As old cells die they become trapped within the capsule. Over time, the cells accumulate causing the lens to cloud, making images look blurred or fuzzy. For most people, cataracts are a natural result of aging.

According to a survey conducted by Lions Aid Norway in Amuru, Gulu, Kitgum and Pader districts, the low level socio-economic status of the population was attributed to be the cause of the increase.

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