Cataract blindness spikes due to high costs

by Carol Aloysius

The rising incidence of cataract blindness in Sri Lanka, is because many patients don't undergo surgery due to the prohibitive costs of the artificial intra ocular lenses implanted in the eye following surgery, Co-ordinator, Vision 20-20 Secretariat Dr. Asela Abeydeera told the Sunday Observer.

He said out of 200,000 blind persons, more than 70% were blind due to cataract and the numbers expected to soar due to our rapidly ageing population.

"Cataract blindness is reversible. Surgery to remove the cataract is quick, simple and painless and is performed free in all government hospitals across the country. But the lens have to be purchased from outside. Their prices vary from Rs. 20,000 to over 30,000. Those unable to afford the cost, will eventually become blind and become a burden to society", he observed.

He said, "Vision 20-20 has the mechanism to give patients these lenses for just Rs. 3,500. At present we distribute 10,000 lenses free to remote areas. We appeal to the public to support this worthy cause. All cash donations should be sent to the Vision 20-20 Secretariat, Deans Road, Maradana, and will be acknowledged", he said.

He further noted that although 80,000 cataract surgeries were performed in all leading government units every year, the number fell far short of the actual demand.

"Every year an additional 20,000 new cases are added to the vast backlog of unoperated cases.

We can reduce this backlog by increasing the number of surgeries-provided we have more trained staff, operating theatres, equipment and theatres", he said.