Quit smoking to prevent early blindness
This the very stern warning issued to South African by KZN MEC for Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo
SMOKING could leave you blind, or with cataracts.
This the very stern warning issued to South African by KZN MEC for Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo.
He was speaking at the launch of a partnership between the Department of Health (DOH) and the International Islamic Relief Organisation (IIRO) of SA last week.
‘Stop smoking. There are many different serious diseases linked to the habit – and we know these – but blindness and cataracts are not often discussed,’ he said.
Dhlomo explained that the partnership between the DOH and the IIRO would see the implementation of cataract extraction camps in various parts of the province.
‘KZN has a backlog of an estimated 6000 patients who need cataract extraction.
‘Cataracts are a leading cause of blindness in the world – yet more than 80% of all visual impairment, including cataracts can be prevented or cured.’
He said that it was ‘extremely concerning’ that uncorrected refractive errors and untreated cataracts are the top two causes of vision impairment in this country.
Lifestyle change
He said that the hand of friendship offered by the IIRO would boost the Department’s capacity to perform cataract surgery – but it was important for society to deal with the cause of certain cases of blindness and not just the symptoms.
‘If you smoke, you are actually inviting problems into your life.’
Dhlomo urged people with eye problems to visit the health clinics for early screening, examination and treatment, particularly if they were over the age of sixty.
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