Life Healthcare, one of SA’s leading private hospital groups participated in Eye Care Awareness Month by providing pro bono cataract surgeries to indigent patients from September 24-October 18.
Life St James Hospital in East London Life Mercantile Hospital in Gqeberha and Life Peninsula Eye Hospital in Cape Town partnered with specialist ophthalmologists, anaesthetists, eye theatre staff and consumable suppliers to provide pro bono cataract removal surgeries to 67 patients.
Life St James Hospital performed seven surgeries, Life Mercantile Hospital scheduled 10 and Life Peninsula Eye Hospital scheduled 50 procedures.
A cataract is a gradual clouding of the eye lens, leading to blurred or dull vision. Surgery is the only way to treat a cataract.
Selected individuals receive the pro-bono surgery based on the severity of their conditions which have adversely affected their quality of life. The patients are consulted with and selected by the specialist ophthamologists at the participating hospitals.
As with many other eye conditions, the effects of cataract can be slowed down and reversed with early detection and a comprehensive eye exam is necessary at least once every two years.
Good nutrition, eating foods rich in antioxidants, can help slow the progress of cataracts.
Wearing sun protection (like sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat) while in the sun can prevent future development of cataract.
Most cataracts are age-related.
In SA, there is an almost 60% chance that a person will develop a cataract after reaching the age of 60.
About 350,000 South Africans need cataract operations, of whom eight out of 10 live in rural areas.
Some conditions or lifestyle choices, such as diabetes, smoking, alcohol use and prolonged exposure to sunlight, can increase the risk of developing cataracts.
“The ability to read a book or watch the waves crash over rocks at the sea are often taken for granted but for patients who are losing, or have lost, their sight, these are among the things they look forward to seeing again after they have had their surgeries,” Life Healthcare West Coast regional manager Adriaan Jordaan said.
“We are proud to be able to partner with our specialists to provide these surgeries for patients who would have otherwise not been able to afford them.
“I wish to acknowledge our participating ophthalmologists, anaesthetists, hospital theatre teams and consumable suppliers for their willingness to participate in these life-changing surgeries.
“Thank you for making life better.”
