At least 180 people with eye cataracts selected from across the country are set to get free surgical operation during a weeklong treatment in Musanze District.

The operation, organised by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with Barraquer Foundation, is being carried out at Ruhengeri Hospital.

Barraqueur Foundation is a Spain-based non-profit organisation whose goal is to provide eyecare to help improve visual health of population.

Dr Deo Ndekezi, the director of Ruhengeri Hospital, said the beneficiaries were selected after a countrywide screening exercise to identify needy patients.

He said most of the patients are from non-well off families and the disease had also worsened their living conditions.

"We are treating patients from various districts who have been screened in their respective district hospitals, having an eye problem is a burden and causes extreme poverty as the victims cannot work for themselves,” Dr Ndekezi said, adding that cataract is a serious eye disease for which patients should seek early treatment.

Most eye patients who suffer from cataract can be treated and get cured once they seek early treatment.

The operation started on Sunday and will end on Saturday.

Focus Ahorukomeye, 65, from Shyira Sector in Nyabihu District, could not hide excitement after regaining his sight last Sunday, after years of blindness.

"I was a burden to society. I used a walking stick to move whenever I had no guide. I was treated on Sunday and now I can see clearly, I am thankful to the doctors who treated me and hope my life is going to change,” Ahorukomeye said.

Marceline Ntirivamunda, 54, said the one eye she used for many years also developed a defect later. But after the surgery, she can now see.

"I was operated on and now I can see. I can only read larger letters effortlessly, but I am sure that with time I will be able to see clearly as I am committed to follow optician’s advice after treatment,” she said.

A cataract is a clouding of the lens inside the eye which leads to a decrease in vision. It is the most common cause of blindness and is conventionally treated with surgery.

Visual loss occurs because opacification of the lens obstructs light from passing and being focused on the retina at the back of the eye. It is most common due to aging but has many other causes.

Over time, yellow-brown pigment is deposited in the lens, and this, together with disruption of the lens fibres, reduces the transmission of light and leads to visual problems.

A person with cataracts often experience difficulty in appreciating colours and changes in contrast, driving, reading, recognising faces, and coping with glare from bright lights.

Patients who were operated on were urged to take care of their eyes taking medicine and avoiding to deal with anything that can damage their eyes before they get well.

jmbonyinshuti@newtimes.co.rw