Cataract is an eye disease that occurs as a result of clouding of the lens of the eye and is known as a silent danger. This disease causes the lens of the eye to become cloudy where it should be clear, making it difficult to see clearly. It becomes more common with age and usually affects the elderly. However, it can also occur at younger ages for genetic or other reasons.

Causes of Cataract Occurrence in Africa

In Africa, cataract disease is a common problem. This is more common, especially in areas with intense sunlight, and usually affects the elderly. In addition, the fact that a large proportion of the population in Africa is exposed to poverty and unhealthy lifestyles also increases the risk of cataracts.

Causes of cataracts include aging, genetic predisposition, smoking, excessive UV light exposure and unhealthy lifestyles. In addition to these reasons, health problems common in Africa, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, also increase the risk of cataracts.

Why Is Cataract a Silent Danger?

Cataracts are a silent danger. Because the disease usually does not show any symptoms at first and gradually progresses. Therefore, cataract cannot be treated without early diagnosis and causes vision loss.

Access to Health Services and Treatment in Africa

Surgery is the most common treatment for cataracts in Africa. However, due to the high cost of surgery, very few people have access to this treatment. In addition, post-operative follow-up checks are also important, but this is often not possible due to the inadequacy of the health system in the region.

Bright-eyed Africa with Health Camps!

As Çare Association, we have been organizing health camps since 2019 to help cataract patients in Africa. In these health camps, hundreds of Africans regain their eyesight after cataract surgery. We also perform malnutrition and other surgical operations in these health camps.

The health camps we organize are held with the support of our donors. In this way, we are helping the African people, who live in poverty and cannot find money for surgery, to some extent.

“We are only the means.”