Pholosong Hospital now offers cataract operation
“Most cataracts develop due to age, some inherited genetic disorders that cause other health problems can increase your risk of cataracts.
Tsakani – The Pholosong Hospital now offers in-house cataract surgery to patients.
This is after years of the hospital transferring patients in need of this surgery to the Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital in Johannesburg.
Since offering this service in January, they have operated on over 40 patients.
Dr Steph Lindeque said a cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens.
A cataract surgery, which is also called lens replacement surgery, sees the removal of the natural lens of the eye which has developed an opacification.
Pholosong chairperson promises positive change
“During the operation, we replace it with an intraocular lens.
“Most of our patients are old, over 60, and their eyesight has deteriorated over the years.
“Most cataracts develop due to age, but some inherited genetic disorders cause other health problems which can increase your risk of cataracts.
“It can be caused by other eye conditions, past eye surgery or medical conditions such as diabetes.
“It is an expensive procedure and many of our citizens cannot afford it. It is a big deal now that residents of Duduza and neighbouring areas can now access the services for free.
Development of your child’s eyesight
“We can operate on two to three patients a day,” he explained.
Lindeque urged patients to keep out of the light to protect their eyes.
“Too much exposure to your eyes is not healthy,” he concluded.
One of the latest patients in their operating room was 65-year-old Jonney Baker, who said he is happy to undergo the procedure.
“We now don’t have to travel out of the area,” he said.
Hospital spokesperson Thabisile Mkhwanazi said the hospital offers the service Monday to Friday between 9am and 1pm.
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