Early cataracts have become a major concern for eye specialists who urge people to get their eye sights tested if they face any problem.
Cataracts are often associated with senior
citizens. However, every year there have been growing number of cases of
affecting more number of younger people as well.
In fact, in the recent times, around 15 percent patients have developed cataracts between 40 to 50 years of age showing it as the
beginning at a significantly earlier age.
"Cataract, which used to be an old person's ailment, is now common at ages between 40 and 50. Changing lifestyle like food choices, sedentary lifestyles leading to earlier diabetes are the most significant factors that has caused this demographic shift," said Dr Debashis Bhattacharya, eminent eye surgeon of Disha Eye Hospital. The hospital treats over 60,000 cataract patients annually.
"There are several factors that may explain why such a shift. The proliferation of cell phones, computers and tablets over recent years has attributed to this shift to younger cataract patients. Diabetes at young age, if not checked in time, may lead to cataract and other serious eye problems," he added.
He said, young people should consult doctors if their vision is affected. Also, self testing like seeing around with one eye covered with palm should be conducted to find out any problem in vision.
It may be recalled that Disha Eye Hospitals is a venture of three doctors from NRS Medical College and was formed on May 1, 1997 in Barrackpore to provide eye treatment at an affordable cost. It is the largest state-of-the-art eye care provider in Eastern India having 11 hospitals.