Cataract

En français

Cataract is the clouding of the normally clear lens in the eye, which develops as a result of aging, trauma, diabetes or heredity. The number one cause of blindness worldwide, cataract affects over 18 million people, accounting for 48% of all blind adults.

While the cause of cataract is unknown, it can be effectively treated by surgery. Cataract surgery that replaces the damaged lens of the eye with a plastic (intraocular) lens can seem miraculous. In most cases, when the surgeon removes the bandages, the patient can see almost immediately - often after having suffered with blindness for years.

Adult cataract affects people in developing and developed countries alike but in developing countries, where 90% of global blindness exists, the poor often do not have access to eye health services, especially when they live in remote, rural areas, nor can they afford them when they are available. A lack of the latest surgical expertise, equipment and supplies, as well as inadequate follow-up for secondary complications can result in poor surgical outcomes, which can also create negative perceptions of cataract surgery that deter people from seeking help.

HKI treats both childhood and adult cataract blindness. Our integrated Comprehensive Cataract Care Model uses a public health approach to develop sustainable, comprehensive systems for delivering cataract interventions. This model includes enhanced patient education and outreach efforts, training healthcare personnel to properly identify and refer patients in need of eye health services. HKI's cataract programs provide necessary training and equipment to local ophthalmologists and healthcare facilities and ensure appropriate aftercare for surgery patients, steps that improve surgical quality and outcomes. The comprehensive program model includes increasing access to cataract services for poor patients through the adoption of a high volume, low cost service delivery model.

HKI is currently working to develop safe surgeries and effective after-care for adults in China, Indonesia, Myanmar and Vietnam, Niger, Nigeria, and Tanzania.