Cataracts responsible for increased cases of blindness

As Uganda commemorates World Sight Day, health experts have called for regular eye screening.

According to the health minister, Dr Ruth Aceng, the ministry's management information system indicates eye diseases as one of the top 10 causes of morbidity and Out Patients Department attendance. 

Celebrations to mark World Sight Day are taking place in Gulu district under the theme Make Vision Count

In Uganda 57.1% of blindness is caused by cataracts, while uncorrected refractive errors are the commonest cause of visual impairment. Surveys show that prevalence of blindness in Uganda is 0.4%. 

Cataracts are a clouding that develops on the crystalline lens of the eye. As a cataract strengthens, vision quality will be compromised in a few ways. 

Dr Grace Ssali, a consultant ophthalmologist at Mulago Hospital, said the facility is overwhelmed with the number of patients with cataracts.

Dr Lawrence Mugisha from Lions club said the club has been instrumental in preventing blindness in the country, adding that, about $40,000 approximately sh144m from Kingdom Rice organisation has been put aside to support the cause.