IN Jamaica, over 25,000 persons suffer from preventable visual impairment, with cataracts being the leading cause. In addition, less than 50 per cent of Jamaican citizens are unable to recognise its early symptoms. These statistics are not just numbers; they are real people who are suffering due to being unaware of the severity of cataracts.

To raise awareness, Dr Alicia Swaby Spencer, ophthalmology resident at Mandeville Regional Hospital, owner and CEO of A&A Medical Office and A&A Optical Offices in Mandeville and Christiana, and a Mrs Universe Jamaica finalist, answers a few important questions about the common symptoms, risk factors and the importance of early detection and timely treatment.

Q: What are cataracts and who is most at risk for them?

A: A cataract is an opacification or clouding of the eye’s natural lens. The lens sits behind the pupil and works like a camera lens; it focuses light onto the retina for clear vision. With age, proteins in the lens clump together. That clumping makes the lens cloudy and yellow over time, so light can’t pass through as easily, like a clear window slowly fogging up. Those who are older are not the only ones at risk; those who are diabetic, smokers, persons with heavy ultraviolet (UV) exposure, with a lack of eye protection, those with a family history of cataracts and those with prior eye injury or surgery are also at high risk.

Q: What are the most common symptoms?

A: Cataracts have a wide range of symptoms that we should all be on the lookout for. Blurry vision, glare/halos around lights (especially with night driving), colours looking faded, yellowed or off-white, needing brighter light to read, frequent prescription changes and double vision, usually in the affected eye, are all common symptoms that we should be mindful of.

Q: At what stage should someone seek medical attention if they suspect cataracts?

A: Don’t wait for it to get really bad. Be proactive. Book an eye exam if you have any symptoms, especially if your vision is interfering with daily activities, for example, reading, driving at night or recognising faces. If you’re over 40, you should have a baseline eye exam yearly.

Q: Can cataracts be prevented, or are they a natural consequence of the ageing process?

A: Ageing is the number one cause of cataracts; as such, some degree of lens change is almost inevitable if you live long enough. But “blindness from cataracts” is preventable and reversible. You can’t stop ageing, but you can slow progression and treat it effectively as necessary.

Q: What lifestyle or environmental factors can accelerate the development of cataracts?

A: UV light exposure is the primary modifiable risk. It is vital that we all wear UV-blocking sunglasses and a hat outdoors and wherever we can, limit extended sunlight exposure. Smoking is also not recommended; it doubles your risk and is generally not a healthy habit for other parts of our bodies. Additionally, diabetic and obese persons need to be mindful, as elevated blood sugar levels accelerate clouding of the lens. Also, limit alcohol and steroid usage.

Q: What are the treatment paths, and what is the success rate of surgery for vision restoration?

A: Early stage treatments include prescription glasses, brighter lighting and anti-glare lenses; however, when conditions are more severe, surgery is the only cure. The surgery involves the removal of the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens. The operation is safe and is one of the most successful operations in the world. Ninety five per cent of patients get significantly better vision, and many can reduce dependence on glasses, especially for distance. Complete healing takes four to six weeks, but one can continue their usual activities like reading, walking or watching TV the very next day.

Q: What are some common misconceptions about cataracts?

A: “Cataracts grow over the eye” — It’s actually inside the eye, behind the pupil. No one can see it unless it’s very advanced and appears white.

“You have to wait until it’s ‘ripe’” — This is an old myth. Doctors operate when vision affects patients, not based only on density.

“It will come back after surgery” — The artificial lens never clouds. About 20 per cent get “after-cataract” or posterior capsule opacity years later, but that can be removed with laser, a simple and safe procedure.

“Glasses can fix it” — Glasses will improve your vision in the early stage, but they do not remove the issue.

Q: What message would you like the public to understand during Cataract Awareness Month?

A: Cataracts are common, but blindness from them isn’t. If your world is getting dimmer, blurrier, or harder to navigate, don’t accept it as ‘just getting old’. An eye exam takes 30 minutes and could give you back years of clear sight. Protect your eyes from UV, don’t smoke, and get checked. Your eyes are your windows to the world, so protect them, you only have on pair!

The Everyone’s A Winner 5K and 3K Run (organised by Running Events Jamaica) is on a mission to bring more awareness to eye health and the visually impaired community. The event, now in its 16th year, will take place on Father’s Day, June 21, at Hope Gardens. Proceeds from the run will go towards the Jamaica Society for the Blind.

Dr Alicia Swaby Spencer .