Correction of visual impairment by cataract surgery in adults, aged 49 years and above, was found to be associated with an approximately 40 percent lower mortality. Indeed, people undergoing cataract surgery may live 10 years longer than those with vision problems.
Cataract surgery also has the following benefits:
- Reduced risk of dementia, by up to 30%
- Prevent injuries from falls
- Improved quality of life and general sense of wellbeing
- Improved economic productivity
In Cameroon, about 14,000 cataract operations are performed each year, yet more than 250,000 Cameroonians, aged 49 years and above, have uncorrected visual impairment due to cataract.
Given the known benefits of cataract surgery, what can be done to ensure that even more Cameroonians (adults and children alike) have access to and benefit from sight restoring cataract surgery?
We advise a comprehensive eye exam at the age of 40, every 2-3 years thereafter till the age of 60 and yearly thereafter. Regular eye exams can help detect cataract and other potentially blinding eye conditions.
Love your eyes – get your eyes checked by a qualified ophthalmologist regularly.