Eye Specialist Highlights Causes and Treatment of Cataracts
A Specialist Ophthalmologist at the Glaucoma Unit of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) Eye Centre, Dr. (Med) Edinam Hutton-Mensah, has raised concern about factors that contribute to cataract development, including ageing, eye injuries and the misuse of steroid-based eye medications.
Speaking in an interview with Opemsuo Radio’s Kofi Boakye on Nkwantannanso, Dr. Hutton-Mensah explained that cataract is one of the most common eye conditions, particularly among older adults.
“One of the main causes of cataract is ageing. It can also occur when the eye suffers trauma, for instance when something hits the eye. In some cases, people are born with it; we call that congenital cataract,” she said.
Dr. Hutton-Mensah noted that when cataract occurs in newborns, doctors usually recommend early surgery to prevent long-term vision problems. According to her, the procedure is often carried out within the first few weeks of a child’s life under controlled medical conditions to protect the child’s eyesight as they grow.
She also warned against the misuse of steroid-based eye medications, which are sometimes purchased from drugstores without medical advice.
“Another risk comes from people who frequently rub their eyes and then go to the drugstore to buy eye drops containing steroids. These same steroids can also be found in some bleaching creams. When people put steroid drops in their eyes, they may notice that the pain disappears, so many continue to use them without medical advice,” she explained.
According to the eye specialist, prolonged use of steroid medications can lead to serious eye complications, including cataracts and glaucoma. She added that people who regularly use skin-bleaching creams containing steroids may also be exposed to similar risks.
Dr. Hutton-Mensah further indicated that cataracts commonly develop from the age of 50 or 60, although the severity varies from person to person. Some individuals may experience minimal impact on their vision, while others may develop advanced cataracts that significantly impair sight and require surgical treatment.
“Inside the eye, we have what is called the lens. When cataract develops, this lens becomes cloudy or whitish. During surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens,” she stated.
She also advised people living with conditions such as diabetes to properly manage their health, noting that uncontrolled blood sugar levels can accelerate cataract development.
