Vision impairment caused by cataracts is often regarded as a minor\nissue that only affects the elderly. Many people postpone treatment\nuntil the eye condition becomes fully blurred. In fact, delaying\ncataract treatment carries a high risk and can trigger far more\ndangerous impacts on eye health.<\/p>\n
Dr Nina Asrini Noor, ophthalmologist and Head of the Research and\nMedical Training Division at JEC Group, emphasised that while cataract\nprogression to permanent blindness can take years, the public should not\nwait until the condition becomes severe. \u2018Cataracts can lead to\npermanent blindness; it takes years, but do not wait until it is badly\naffected. I often encounter patients who present only when their\ncondition is already advanced,\u2019 she said at a media briefing in Jakarta\non Wednesday (20 May).<\/p>\n
According to Nina, the earlier cataract surgery is performed, the\nfaster the recovery. Therefore, she urged the public to be vigilant,\nespecially if a family member or an elderly relative begins to report\nblurred vision.<\/p>\n
Risk factors and symptoms of cataract are not limited to ageing.\nExternal factors and medical conditions can worsen and accelerate\ncataract formation, including diabetes, where metabolic disturbances in\ndiabetics can damage the eye via leakage from blood vessels in the optic\nnerve, and worsen the cataract with certain risks. Other factors include\nsun exposure (UV), particularly under extreme UV conditions, which is\nvery dangerous. Eye protection such as UV protection remains mandatory\neven when the weather is overcast. Additionally, using eye drops that\nare not prescribed or without a doctor\u2019s prescription may worsen the\nlens condition.<\/p>\n
In addition to blurred vision, other symptoms that often disrupt\ndaily activities include light sensitivity. Cataract patients typically\nexperience much more glare at night, which is particularly dangerous\nwhen driving.<\/p>\n
An interesting trend today is that cataracts no longer respect age.\nMany cases are now found in younger people, especially those with high\nmyopia. \u2018Cataracts are not only in older people, but also in younger\nadults, or in younger people with high myopia. High myopia makes\ncataracts appear a little faster,\u2019 explained Nina.<\/p>\n
Even for individuals who have undergone LASIK in their youth but\ncomplain of frequent glare at night, cataract surgery can be a long-term\nsolution. After the operation, the patient\u2019s vision and quality of life\nare expected to be substantially better.<\/p>\n
As a preventive measure, standard eye examinations are strongly\nrecommended at least once a year. However, if you or a relative already\nexperiences cataract symptoms or a decline in visual function, do not\ndelay and consult an ophthalmologist promptly.<\/p>\n
Globally, cataracts remain one of the biggest challenges in eye\nhealth. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that cataracts\naffected more than 100 million people worldwide in 2020, with around 17\nmillion of them blind. In Indonesia, the urgency of addressing cataracts\nis no less significant. The Ministry of Health of the Republic of\nIndonesia cites the Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB\n2014\u20132016) conducted by PERDAMI and the Health Research and Development\nAgency (Litbangkes) of the Ministry of Health in 15 provinces. The\nsurvey showed blindness among those aged 50 and above reaching 3%, with\ncataracts as the leading cause, accounting for around 81.2% of blindness\ncases.<\/p>\n
In other words, cataracts are not just a clinical issue but also a\nmatter of quality of life, productivity, and independence, especially\namong adults and the elderly. Cataract cases in Indonesia continue to\nrise and have entered a backlog phase. Limited access and myths act as\nbarriers, even though the risk of blindness can be prevented. Glaucoma\nis recorded as the second leading cause of blindness after cataracts.\nOcular stroke occurs when blood flow to the retina is blocked and can\ncause permanent blindness. Recognise the causes, early symptoms, as well\nas treatment and prevention. Cataracts remain the leading cause of\nblindness. Moreover, prolonged exposure to devices and computers now\ncontributes to a significant rise in myopia among young people. The\nDjoko Sarwono Award is PERDAMI\u2019s recognition for non-ophthalmologist\nindividuals or institutions that have contributed to supporting efforts\nto combat blindness.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/delayed-cataract-treatment-can-be-fatal-to-vision-1779543047", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }