India Trip - Cataract Surgery

We are now in Patna, India. Here we are in touch with the Rotary Organization and overseeing 3 main projects.

1. Cataract Operation
2. SKILL Foundation "Pain the Future"
3. Talk with government

In this post I will only be talking about the Cataract Operation.

On August 10, 2010, I visited the Eye Hospital to see the screening process.It seems that many people do not want the surgery when it is as hot as it is now - around 100 degrees Fahrenheit. They are waiting for the rainy weather because after the surgery the people have to be very careful with their eyes and the sweat and grime from the hot atmosphere can cause infection. Natural Disaster Aid donated $25,000 Rs for the sponsorship of 20 cataract patients. Despite this modest number, we cannot forget the impact that we are having on these people's lives. Many of them will get their jobs back and can continue supporting their family. Without this operation, many of them would be incapable for working forcing their families to an even lower level than absolute poverty [many of them are already at absolute poverty]. Most of the people who are getting the operation are 70 years old and have more than 4 people at home to support. Their occupations consist of farmer, barber, and other menial positions in society - all of which require eyes of maintain the position.

The surgery procedure overall is fairly simple.
1. Cut an incision in the eye
2. remove the lens from the eye
3. insert a new lens
4. Rest the eye for a week

Previously, a 10mm cut was required to remove the lens. After the lens was replaced, stitching was necessary to bind the eye. This created many complications for the people. After the stitching, many people are required to rest their eyes for 8 weeks - almost 2 1/2 months. This is way too long for someone who has a replaceable job as a farmer.

However, new technology has avoided problem. Now, a 2mm incision suffices because now it is possible to fold the lens. The new process goes as:

1. Make a 2mm incision
2. Break the lens inside the eye
3. Suck out the lens
4. Fold the replacement lens
5. Put the replacement lens inside the eye
6. Wait one week

The surgery takes about 10 minutes and with the pre-testing, one man puts in 30 minutes at the hospital to get the cataract removed.

Overall, the process is simple but extremely meaningful. Without leaving a signification mark, it can change a man's life. So far we've only got the screening process, but later today [Friday], the actual operation will take place.

It would like to take this moment to thank The Pataliputra Rotary Club, in particular Mr. A.K.P Sinha for, for making this wonderful experience possible.