Sight Day highlights cataracts (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)
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Sight Day highlights cataracts
6:00pm Sunday 14th October 2012 in News
More than 1,200 local people have had their sight saved this year by operations on cataracts at the Devizes NHS Treatment Centre.
To mark World Sight Day today the treatment centre, run by the private company UKSH, will highlight the treatment of cataracts, one of the leading causes of blindness in the world.
A cataract is the clouding of the natural lens of the eye and some of the most common causes include ageing, genetics, exposure to ultraviolet light, diabetes and steroid medication.
Teresa Anthony, lead ophthalmic consultant surgeon at Devizes NHS Treatment Centre, said: “Cataract surgery really does change lives.
“This year alone, more than 1,200 local people have benefited from cataract surgery here in Devizes. Gone are the days of invasive surgery. In fact, cataract procedures are carried out as a day case, under local anaesthesia, many using eye drops.
“I would certainly urge those who have concerns about their eyes to book a visit to their local optician.”
Devizes Mayor Kelvin Nash is marking World Sight Day today in an unusual way.
Under the auspices of Devizes Lions Club he will go shopping in the Brittox wearing a pair of spectacles that mimics sight impairment.
Town crier Marcus Hopgood will lead Coun Nash around the town centre as he attempts to cope with reduced vision.
