Cataract a Major Blindness Cause in India: Expert

There is a need for increased public awareness about timely diagnosis of cataract to overcome this major cause of preventable blindness, flagged experts on the occasion of the ongoing Cataract Awareness Month.

- HT Correspondent

NEW DELHI:

Cataract continued to be a major cause of avoidable blindness in India, especially among the elderly population, said Dr Mahipal S Sachdev, chairman and medical director, Centre for Sight Group of Eye Hospitals.

Cataract is a condition in which the eye's natural lens becomes cloudy, leading to blurred vision, difficulty in reading, driving, or recognizing faces, and if untreated, complete loss of vision. While it is most commonly associated with aging, it can also occur due to diabetes, trauma, long-term use of steroids, or excessive UV exposure.

Unfortunately, many patients in India delay cataract treatment due to misconceptions or lack of awareness, Dr Sachdev said.

"Cataract continues to be the leading cause of blindness in India, responsible for over 66% of cases, yet many people delay surgery due to persistent myths and fears. It's crucial to separate fact from fiction and make informed decisions," he added.