Five people receive life-changing cataract surgery at Alberlito Hospital

Five patients blinded by cataracts received the gift of sight pro bono at Netcare Alberlito Hospital this month.

Dr Yavische Reddy, a Ballito ophthalmologist, selected the beneficiaries from the treatment waiting list at the General Justice Gizenga Mpanza Regional Hospital in KwaDukuza. The lucky recipients could not otherwise afford the procedure, normally costing in the region of R26 000.

“Patients can wait years for this life-changing operation,” said Dr Reddy.

Cataracts are very common, with people over the age of 60 more likely to be affected. A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens, located behind the iris, which focuses light onto the retina for clear vision. As you age, the lens becomes thicker, less flexible, and proteins in the lens break down, causing it to cloud. This clouding worsens over time, scattering light and blurring vision. Cataracts typically affect both eyes, but not always at the same pace, leading to differing vision between eyes.

Cataracts can only be removed with surgery under general aesthetic, whereby the lens is replaced with an artificial lens. Many sufferers of this eye disease cannot work as they have cataracts in both eyes.

Marcella Egan (60), who works as a library assistant at Umhlali Preparatory, said the operation was “a godsend”.

“A whole new life has opened up for me,” exclaimed Egan, who is thrilled with the results of the operation. Pushpa ‘Daisy’ Rampararat (62) from Upper Tongaat was likewise relieved to have her sight restored. Both patients praised Dr Reddy and the hospital staff for the care they received.

Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.

Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.