Mission Cataract USA Helps Those with Cataracts
Eye Specialists Provide Free Cataract Surgery for Eligible Patients
Oct 5, 2009
Larry Holt was only 22 when he was diagnosed with cataracts in both eyes. Laid off from work at manufacturing plant near Logan, Ohio, he couldn’t afford to have them treated. For four years, Holt lived with the condition as it slowly stole his sight.
Cataract Surgery is Common Procedure in U.S., but Not All Have Access to Care
Like looking at the world through frosted glass, individuals with cataracts struggle to read, drive (especially at night) and even clearly see the expression on a friend's face. A clouding of the eye's natural lens that most often occurs through aging, cataracts are usually not painful but may significantly affect quality of life.
Because medication and diet changes cannot cure cataracts, removing the cataract surgically and implanting a permanent artificial lens remains the best way to improve patients' vision. According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery by age 80, making the procedure one of the most common – as well as safest and most effective – operations in America. Nine out of 10 people who undergo surgery for cataracts have improved vision afterward.
Unfortunately, some Americans – like Holt – do not have access to care.
Mission Cataract Offers Surgery for People of All Ages Who Cannot Afford to Pay
This past spring, Holt saw the first glimmer of hope since developing cataracts when a case worker with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services told him about Mission Cataract USA.
Established in 1991 by Frederick A. Richburg, M.D., medical director of Valley Eye Institute in Fresno, Calif., Mission Cataract – now with 21 providers in 14 states – offers free cataract surgery for people of all ages who are without Medicare, Medicaid, third-party insurance or any other means to pay.
In just a little over two months, Holt was evaluated by an ophthalmologist at Ohio Eye Alliance in Alliance, Ohio – the state’s only Mission Cataract provider – and underwent surgery at Mercy Medical Center in Canton. Within two weeks, he could again see clearly.
He says, “Before the surgery, I couldn’t see anything out of my left eye and could see just outlines with my right. Life is totally different for me now. I can see again, and it’s awesome. I keep telling everybody about Mission Cataract.”
Cataract Risk Factors Include Age, Diabetes, Family History and Smoking
Aging is the most common cause – and risk factor – of cataracts, which can develop in one or both eyes. However, other causes include birth defects, injuries, medications, infections, radiation, toxic substances and severe electric shock. Individuals who notice a vision change for any reason should contact their eye doctor for an exam.
According to MayoClinic.com, eye lenses, made mostly of water and protein fibers, become less flexible, less transparent and thicker as people age. The fibers gradually break down and begin to clump together, causing clouding that becomes bigger and denser over time. Although experts don't know why lenses change, some believe free radicals, such as those produced by smoking and sunlight exposure, may play a part in cataract development.
Aside from age, other risk factors include diabetes, family history of cataracts, previous eye injury, surgery or inflammation, prolonged use of corticosteroids, excessive exposure to sunlight, exposure to ionizing radiation and smoking.
To learn more about Mission Cataract USA or to review the current list of surgery providers, visit the Mission Cataract Web site.
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