What are cataracts?

A cataract is a small build-up of protein in the eye that, if left untreated, can cause blurred vision and eventual blindness. Cataracts can be present from birth, or can be brought on by old age or trauma to the eye.

For most adults, cataracts are completely reversible, but for children there’s an urgency to treat them quickly. Cataracts can stop a child’s eyes from developing properly, and if the cataracts are not treated in time the child’s sight may never return, leaving them permanently blind.

Why is restoring sight so important?

For many people living in poor, rural communities, life without sight can be particularly difficult. If a blind parent needs to rely on their children, those children often miss out on an education. And if a blind child needs to rely on their parents, those parents often can’t earn enough to feed themselves and their family.

Children and adults with visual impairments can be shunned by their family or community, leaving them with very little social interaction. Even the simplest journey can also be extremely dangerous, especially if they live near a lake or river.