India is manifesting a rise in cataracts primarily because of a dearth of ophthalmologists and not enough nourishment among its population, said Dr. Sridhar Prasad, senior manager, applications – LenSx, Alcon India.
 
Although Indians are at higher risk than Europeans and Americans on lifestyle disorders like cardiovascular and diabetes, eye-ailments, specifically cataract is reported to be one of the country’s largest cause of blindness, he added.

Lack of manpower when it comes to the number of ophthalmologists is one of the main reasons for the crisis. India accounts for an estimated 15,000 ophthalmologists which is  well below the World Health Organization’s recommended ratio of 1 ophthalmologist per 20,000 population.

This together with high carbohydrate and vegetarian protein diet are adding to the issue. It is antioxidants, as well as vitamins A, C and E, lutein and zeaxanthin that reduce the risk of cataracts, stated Dr. Prasad.

We see that cataract is the leading cause of vision impairment in India. But in the past decade, data shows that the average age of patients going in for cataract surgery has dropped. This could be because of improved detection, better access to medical care and advanced surgical techniques, making it possible to identify and treat the disease earlier than ever before, he said.
 
Given that technology has made early detection and treatment of cataract possible, it is important to know the warning signs, potential causes, and available treatments stated Dr Prasad who works with the doctors to train them on the LenSx procedures, the laser used for cataract surgery to get best outcomes.
 
Vision loss due to cataracts, if treated on time are completely reversible. However, in India the problem is compounded and made more complex due to diabetes which adversely affects every eye tissue and accelerates cataract formation. It also makes the eye prone to devastating infections after cataract surgery. Besides, high levels of UV exposure in India’s sunny tropical climate is another factor for early cataract formation and progression. The elderly reflect high levels of ignorance or incorrect beliefs with regards to cataracts and their progression. A majority of people over 60 do not consider cataract as a serious disease and believe that it gets better with time. Ignorance can lead to visual impairment and blindness if not treated at the right time.
 
Indians are at a greater risk of cataracts at a comparatively younger age than Europeans or Americans. On average, an Indian could have a cataract almost 14 years before his American or European counterpart. But the gratifying part is that cataracts can be corrected if treated on time. Newer and more effective treatments offer hope to those affected by this disease as the surgery takes a few minutes and the recovery period is minimal, said Dr. Prasad.