Latest news with #CataractAwarenessMonth
Time of India
29-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Cataract remains a leading cause of preventable blindness due to delayed treatment and misconceptions
New Delhi: Cataract remains a significant source of preventable blindness, especially for elderly individuals. Unfortunately, many Indians postpone treatment because of widespread misconceptions and insufficient knowledge. In light of June being Cataract Awareness Month, health experts said detecting cataracts early could prevent unnecessary vision loss. Worldwide statistics indicate that cataract is responsible for 33% of blindness cases. In India, cataract accounts for more than 66% of cases of blindness. Dispelling common myths about cataracts, Dr Mahipal Singh Sachdev, chairman & medical director, Centre for Sight Group of Eye Hospitals, explained, "Many people delay surgery due to myths and fears. A common myth is that cataracts only affect the elderly. While ageing is a major factor, cataracts can also be caused by diabetes, steroid use, UV exposure, trauma, and even affect children. Another myth is that eyedrops, diet or exercises can cure cataracts, but scientific evidence supports surgery as the only effective treatment. " You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi Explaining what causes the eye lens to cloud, Dr Rinky Anand Gupta, associate director, ophthalmology (cataract & refractive surgery), Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali, said that cataract was the result mainly of ageing, with protein breakdown in the lens occurring over time. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like CUPRA Terramar Impulse e-HYBRID CUPRA Configura Auto Undo Additional risk factors include diabetes, UV light exposure, smoking, eye injuries, steroid usage, and genetic predisposition. Some infants may develop congenital cataracts. Talking about the age group mainly affected, Dr Ashu Agarwal, senior ophthalmology consultant, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, said that while cataracts predominantly affected those over 60 years, lens clouding can develop earlier in individuals with specific risk factors like diabetes, trauma or family history. Congenital cataracts occur rarely in newborns. Due to increasing lifestyle-related risks, early-onset cataracts are now seen in adults as young as 40. "The decision to undergo cataract surgery should be based on how the condition affects one's daily activities," said Agarwal. "When tasks like reading, operating a vehicle or identifying people become challenging and impact lifestyle negatively, surgical intervention should be considered. Contemporary surgical techniques have advanced significantly, enabling successful treatment in early stages without waiting for complete cataract maturation. " Dr Anil Solanki, associate consultant, ophthalmology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, indicated that mature cataract caused blindness and potentially angle closure glaucoma, leading to permanent vision loss, with surgery was the only viable treatment. Dr Sachdev assured that cataract surgery was among the safest medical procedures, performed under local anaesthesia with minimal discomfort and swift healing. Modern surgery doesn't necessarily require permanent spectacle use. Healthcare professionals said that advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs), including extended-depth-of-focus (EDOF) lenses, provided excellent vision at various distances while reducing spectacle dependency. Addressing the outdated beliefs is essential for encouraging timely treatment, they said. Contemporary cataract surgery offers a secure, efficient solution for vision restoration and professional consultation should be sought when initial symptoms show up.
The Hindu
24-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Health Matters Newsletter: Safeguarding the windows to the soul
On cataract surgeries and the urgent need for access, brain and spine innovations, maternal health amidst rising heat, sickle cell care and more It's one of the most common surgeries performed, a procedure that practically everyone has heard of and perhaps one that most of us will have to undergo, but cataract surgeries are still not available and accessible to all -- cataracts continue to account for about 40% of all cases of existing blindness, and in India, remain the leading cause of blindness. In fact, as of 2023, the World Health Organization estimated that only 17% of people with vision impairment due to cataract have received access to an appropriate intervention. This, despite the surgery being one of the safest and least resource-intensive of procedures. We take our vision for granted most times, never really thinking about our eyes or how they work despite their being crucial to every aspect of our lives, but this June, observed as Cataract Awareness Month, is as good time a time as any, to learn and understand more about them. And to this end, we have two stories on cataract for you: Dr. S. Soundari explains the hows and whys of cataracts and the surgery required, and Dr. C. Aravinda and Dr. Sangeetha Raja give you a glimpse of the history and the evolution of the procedure that is now used to treat millions. Speaking of surgeries, here are a few more stories of interest, delving into medical procedures for the brain and spine: Dr. Ari G. Chacko explores advances in brain tumour care, while Dr. G. Sudhir and Dr. K. Karthik Kailash explain how minimally invasive spine surgery has transformed the landscape of spinal care. But in all of the excitement over the latest in medical science, the progress in technology and the potential promise of AI, it is crucial to not forget the basics: ensuring the health of mother and baby. And not only are we still some distance away from achieving optimal care for all mothers and babies in India, climate change is now emerging as an increased threat to the health of both. Take this into consideration: despite overall progress over the last 30 years, an analysis (published in the British Medical Journal Global Health) has found that cases of low weight at birth from four states -- Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and West Bengal -- account for nearly half of India's cases. Having a low birth weight -- under 2.5 kg -- has been linked with problems in the child's cognitive development and a vulnerability to chronic conditions in later life. To add to this existing issue is the burden of extreme heat: I podcast with Prof Jane Hirst about how high temperatures -- which India now faces on a regular basis -- impact pregnancy outcomes. Talking of maternal health, C. Mayareports that Kerala still has the lowest maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in the country despite some latest data revealing figures that the State disputes. And in Tamil Nadu, P. V. Srividya writes, the government's Pregnancy and Infant Cohort Monitoring and Evaluation system has helped exposechild marriages. Maternal health isn't just crucial at the time of pregnancy: Athira Elssa Johnsondecodes a study that found that domestic violence perpetrated on mothers was linked with higher depressive disorders amongst their teen children, highlighting again, the vital need to safeguard the health of mothers -- as this is intrinsically linked with the health of the next generation. One more story on newborns that can have far-reaching implication if made into policy is this study by the Indian Council of Medical Research that found post-birth diagnosis, resulting in early treatment, could substantially improve the quality of life and reduce mortality in patients with sickle cell disease -- from the reported current 20 to 30% to less than 5%. If you're wondering what sickle cell disease is, do read this explainer. Internationally too, there's been some focus on this area: British lawmakers have debated proposals to decriminalise abortion amid concerns that police are using antiquated laws to prosecute women who end their own pregnancies. Elsewhere around the globe, there's some good news, the United States' Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved of pharma company Gilead Sciences' twice-yearly injection to prevent HIV -- a move the company hailed as a major breakthrough in the fight against the sexually transmitted virus. Lenacapavir, marketed under the brand name Yeztugo, has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV transmission by more than 99.9 percent in adults and adolescents -- making it functionally akin to a powerful vaccine. Local news however, has been good, and not-so-good: while R. Prasadwrites on two existing drugs that offer hope to cure Russell's viper bites; Moyurie Som reports on the West Bengal Assembly passing a Bill on 'transparency' in medical costs in private facilities and Abhinay Lakshman details the Centre's plans to set up a National Tribal Health and Research Institute, Afshan Yasmeen speaks to the corresponding author of a research paper that has found that public health spending has not resulted in significant pro-poor services in India and S. Vijay Kumar finds that a report released by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has revealed that the organ transplantation programme in the country has been crippled by multiple issues, especially insufficient funding, shortage of specialised doctors, and procedural delays. Here's a quick round-up of the Covid-19 situation: cases are dipping, despite social media buzz about the 'razor blade' Covid variant, but even so, the ICMR has introduced its first high-performance computing facility at its National Institute of Virology (NIV) facility in Pune to boost genomic storage and analysis, aiding faster detection of new disease threats and more efficient response to outbreaks. Our tailpiece for the week is this story by Dr. Vid Karmarkar and Jitendra Chouksey on why alcohol regulation in India needs a national framework and policy. Once again, we have a healthy list of explainers this week, do dive in when you find the time: Dr. Arunima Ray writes on understanding albinism in the Indian context Dr. Javeed Zabiullah explains why the world needs to embrace neurodiversity Dr. V. Madhumitha busts myths around vitiligo Dr. Raman Goel writes on the importance of changing mindsets and narratives around obesity Dr. Arun Kumar Balakrishnan details the need to screen for kidney cancer after 40 Anirban Mukhopadhyay breaks down a study on making CAR T-cells in vivo for cancer care If you want to know about DNA analysis, click here As part of our 'all you need to know' series, here is an explainer on the world's rarest blood group, Gwada negative, and one on clinical trials And finally, here is why chronic pain must be part of suicide risk assessments For many more health stories, head to our health page and subscribe to the health newsletter here.
The Hindu
24-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Safeguarding the windows to the soul
On cataract surgeries and the urgent need for access, brain and spine innovations, maternal health amidst rising heat, sickle cell care and more It's one of the most common surgeries performed, a procedure that practically everyone has heard of and perhaps one that most of us will have to undergo, but cataract surgeries are still not available and accessible to all -- cataracts continue to account for about 40% of all cases of existing blindness, and in India, remain the leading cause of blindness. In fact, as of 2023, the World Health Organization estimated that only 17% of people with vision impairment due to cataract have received access to an appropriate intervention. This, despite the surgery being one of the safest and least resource-intensive of procedures. We take our vision for granted most times, never really thinking about our eyes or how they work despite their being crucial to every aspect of our lives, but this June, observed as Cataract Awareness Month, is as good time a time as any, to learn and understand more about them. And to this end, we have two stories on cataract for you: Dr. S. Soundari explains the hows and whys of cataracts and the surgery required, and Dr. C. Aravinda and Dr. Sangeetha Raja give you a glimpse of the history and the evolution of the procedure that is now used to treat millions. Speaking of surgeries, here are a few more stories of interest, delving into medical procedures for the brain and spine: Dr. Ari G. Chacko explores advances in brain tumour care, while Dr. G. Sudhir and Dr. K. Karthik Kailash explain how minimally invasive spine surgery has transformed the landscape of spinal care. But in all of the excitement over the latest in medical science, the progress in technology and the potential promise of AI, it is crucial to not forget the basics: ensuring the health of mother and baby. And not only are we still some distance away from achieving optimal care for all mothers and babies in India, climate change is now emerging as an increased threat to the health of both. Take this into consideration: despite overall progress over the last 30 years, an analysis (published in the British Medical Journal Global Health) has found that cases of low weight at birth from four states -- Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and West Bengal -- account for nearly half of India's cases. Having a low birth weight -- under 2.5 kg -- has been linked with problems in the child's cognitive development and a vulnerability to chronic conditions in later life. To add to this existing issue is the burden of extreme heat: I podcast with Prof Jane Hirst about how high temperatures -- which India now faces on a regular basis -- impact pregnancy outcomes. Talking of maternal health, C. Mayareports that Kerala still has the lowest maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in the country despite some latest data revealing figures that the State disputes. And in Tamil Nadu, P. V. Srividya writes, the government's Pregnancy and Infant Cohort Monitoring and Evaluation system has helped exposechild marriages. Maternal health isn't just crucial at the time of pregnancy: Athira Elssa Johnsondecodes a study that found that domestic violence perpetrated on mothers was linked with higher depressive disorders amongst their teen children, highlighting again, the vital need to safeguard the health of mothers -- as this is intrinsically linked with the health of the next generation. One more story on newborns that can have far-reaching implication if made into policy is this study by the Indian Council of Medical Research that found post-birth diagnosis, resulting in early treatment, could substantially improve the quality of life and reduce mortality in patients with sickle cell disease -- from the reported current 20 to 30% to less than 5%. If you're wondering what sickle cell disease is, do read this explainer. Internationally too, there's been some focus on this area: British lawmakers have debated proposals to decriminalise abortion amid concerns that police are using antiquated laws to prosecute women who end their own pregnancies. Elsewhere around the globe, there's some good news, the United States' Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved of pharma company Gilead Sciences' twice-yearly injection to prevent HIV -- a move the company hailed as a major breakthrough in the fight against the sexually transmitted virus. Lenacapavir, marketed under the brand name Yeztugo, has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV transmission by more than 99.9 percent in adults and adolescents -- making it functionally akin to a powerful vaccine. Local news however, has been good, and not-so-good: while R. Prasadwrites on two existing drugs that offer hope to cure Russell's viper bites; Moyurie Som reports on the West Bengal Assembly passing a Bill on 'transparency' in medical costs in private facilities and Abhinay Lakshman details the Centre's plans to set up a National Tribal Health and Research Institute, Afshan Yasmeen speaks to the corresponding author of a research paper that has found that public health spending has not resulted in significant pro-poor services in India and S. Vijay Kumar finds that a report released by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has revealed that the organ transplantation programme in the country has been crippled by multiple issues, especially insufficient funding, shortage of specialised doctors, and procedural delays. Here's a quick round-up of the Covid-19 situation: cases are dipping, despite social media buzz about the 'razor blade' Covid variant, but even so, the ICMR has introduced its first high-performance computing facility at its National Institute of Virology (NIV) facility in Pune to boost genomic storage and analysis, aiding faster detection of new disease threats and more efficient response to outbreaks. Our tailpiece for the week is this story by Dr. Vid Karmarkar and Jitendra Chouksey on why alcohol regulation in India needs a national framework and policy. Once again, we have a healthy list of explainers this week, do dive in when you find the time: Dr. Arunima Ray writes on understanding albinism in the Indian context Dr. Javeed Zabiullah explains why the world needs to embrace neurodiversity Dr. V. Madhumitha busts myths around vitiligo Dr. Raman Goel writes on the importance of changing mindsets and narratives around obesity Dr. Arun Kumar Balakrishnan details the need to screen for kidney cancer after 40 Anirban Mukhopadhyay breaks down a study on making CAR T-cells in vivo for cancer care If you want to know about DNA analysis, click here As part of our 'all you need to know' series, here is an explainer on the world's rarest blood group, Gwada negative, and one on clinical trials And finally, here is why chronic pain must be part of suicide risk assessments For many more health stories, head to our health page and subscribe to the health newsletter here.
The Hindu
23-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
The story of cataract surgeries: restoring sights to millions
June is observed globally as Cataract Awareness Month, drawing attention to the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Blindness is not just the loss of sight but also the loss of autonomy, income, and social mobility. Today, despite the world's population being around 8.2 billion, the prevalence of blindness has declined to less than 0.5% thanks to advances in surgical care. With roughly 30 million cataract surgeries performed globally each year, millions are prevented from going blind, making it one of the greatest public health success stories. Yet, cataracts still account for about 40% of all cases of existing blindness, indicating the need for accessibility and awareness. Also Read: Cataract patients getting younger: report The patho-anatomy of the lens The human lens is a transparent, biconvex marvel no larger than a shirt button that helps us read, walk, recognise faces, and interpret the world in fine detail. It is formed in the womb from the surface ectoderm and remains sealed from the rest of the body for life. Unlike most organs, it has no blood supply, receives no immune surveillance, and is nourished solely by surrounding fluids. This isolation ensures perfect clarity but leaves it vulnerable to accumulating damage over time, usually from the fifth decade onwards. However, damage can occur at any age. A cataract is not a disease in the usual sense; it is a mechanical opacity in an otherwise healthy eye. But this unique anatomical trait is also why no drug/drops, exercise, or diet can reverse it. The lens cannot regenerate or absorb medicine. Only surgery can cure cataracts by replacing the damaged lens. A cataract occurs when the crystalline lens, normally transparent, becomes cloudy due to age-related protein denaturation, oxidative stress, or metabolic dysfunction. This clouding scatters light and blocks it from reaching the retina, leading to gradual, painless vision loss. Evolution of surgical techniques In ancient India, Sushruta practised 'couching', where a sharp instrument was used to dislocate the opaque lens into the vitreous cavity, moving it out of the visual axis. Though vision improved slightly because light could now pass unobstructed, the absence of a focusing lens left patients with severe hyperopia (far-sightedness) and frequent complications like glaucoma or retinal detachment. For nearly 1,800 years, this anatomical limitation was a surgical dead end. True progress in cataract surgery only began in the past 250 years, when surgical precision, sterilisation, optics, and, later, biomedical materials like PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) and foldable lenses converged. In 1747, Jacques Daviel revolutionised care with extracapsular extraction, removing the lens but preserving its capsule, allowing some focusing power. Later, intracapsular extraction removed the entire lens and capsule, but thick spectacles were needed to compensate. In 1949, Sir Harold Ridley implanted the first intraocular lens, inspired by pilots whose eyes tolerated acrylic shards without reaction. In 1967, Charles Kelman further revolutionised the field with phacoemulsification, using ultrasounds to dissolve and remove the lens through a tiny incision. Foldable lenses, topical anaesthesia, and femtosecond lasers soon followed, making cataract surgery one of the safest, shortest, and most effective surgeries ever devised. The business of blindness This unique lens anatomy gave rise to something no other speciality achieved: scalability. Because cataract surgery requires only a lens and no external anaesthesiologist support in most cases and involves localised, avascular tissue, it can be safely performed by a single surgeon in a clean environment, with minimal dependence on supporting departments. Even more, cataract surgery fits naturally into the economics of ageing. As India's life expectancy rises, so does the geriatric population, creating a steady demand. This independence, mass-producibility of artificial lenses and increased demand due to ageing created the ideal conditions for growth. The unique anatomy of the lens, along with the relatively short operating time needed and minimal resource requirements, has facilitated the rise of corporate and charitable eye care chains across India. India is a global leader in delivering affordable and high-volume eye care. Unlike cardiac or neurological surgeries, which involve high costs and unpredictable outcomes, cataract surgeries are affordable, completely curable, and high-yield. No other surgical speciality enjoys such autonomy. Most major surgeries require teams, general anaesthesia, and post-operation monitoring. In contrast, cataract surgery (in uncomplicated cases) is a ten-minute procedure that restores function completely. Over 70% of preventable blindness in India is due to cataracts—and over 16 million such surgeries were performed last year, many free or subsidised by the National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment. The surgery is often performed under topical or local anaesthesia, with daycare discharge and return to routine life within 24 hours. The outcomes are extraordinary, and thus, cataract surgery is a statement of human progress. The human lens, though born as a delicate piece of our own body, is perhaps the only 'organ' that can be replaced not by a donation but by a factory-made crystal—folded like a petal, slipped into the eye, and left to bloom silently. Unlike hearts, lungs, and kidneys that beg for an immunological match and a donor's mercy, this lens knows no rejection and has no waiting list. It fits nearly every adult eye similarly, making it the most scalable 'transplant' known to medicine. And for a device that can be manufactured at a cost lower than a bucket biryani, its return—both in economic cost and the social dignity of restored sight—is extraordinary. (Dr. C. Aravinda is an academic and public health physician. The views expressed are personal. aravindaaiimsjr10@ Dr Sangeetha Raja is an ophthalmologist at Aravind Eye Hospital, Thanjavur, and the author of Mastering Uvea and Mastering Glaucoma for postgraduate ophthalmology students. sangeesara03@
The Hindu
22-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Understanding cataracts and the surgery to treat them
June is observed as Cataract Awareness Month. What is a cataract? Will everyone get it? At what age does one get it? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about cataract. A cataract is defined as the opacification of lens and/or its capsule. Normally, the human lens is transparent. With ageing, the normal transparency is lost and the lens become opaque: this is called cataract. In general, the aged population gets cataracts. Even a newborn can develop a cataract; however, the most common type is the senile cataract, amongst the older population. When do you intervene? Earlier, cataracts used to be removed in toto and a rigid intraocular lens (IOL) used to be placed inside the eye. Nowadays however, with advancements in technology, cataract surgeries are generally done as keyhole procedures. With a less then 3 mm incision, and using ultrasound energy, the cataracts are removed. Femto surgeries are now performed, which are blade-less and needle-less surgeries. A laser breaks the cataract into small pieces, which are then easily removed by phacoemulsification. Intraocular lens (IOLs) have also evolved considerably. From the rigid IOLs used earlier, we have come a long way. Now, we use foldable IOLs . Multiple varieties of foldable IOLs are available from monofocal and modified monofocal to extended depth of focus IOL, trifocal and toric IOLs. Depending on the patient's need, the type of IOL is decided upon and it is implanted post cataract removal. With the latest medical advances, the surgery has become more precise and gives excellent results. The surgical time has been reduced; it is a safe surgery and the patients recover very fast. They are able to resume their routine daily activity in a day or two. (Dr. S. Soundari is regional medical director, Dr. Agarwal's Eye Hospital, Chennai. soundari.s@
