UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) students, members of Ksatria Airlangga Floating Hospital (RSTKA) held a dissemination program on how to prevent cataracts at Posyandu Masalima, Masalembu Island in Sumenep Regency on Sunday, April 13, 2019. Novia Yudia Sari, a student from the Faculty of Public Health (FKM) said that the activity was carried out because of many reports of cataracts on the island.
“Because there are many cases of cataracts from the fishermen here. We need to do something to prevent it. One of them is through dissemination, “he said.
Novi told the residents, cataracts are turbidity in the lens of the eye which causes decreased vision to blindness. Symptoms seen when vision becomes blurred in the presence of cloud shadows, difficulty seeing at night, and eyes become sensitive to light.
“Then there is usually a white ring seen when (seeing, ed) there is a light. And, vision seems doubled, “said the student who is active in Wanala mountaineering club.
Ways to Prevent Cataracts
Obtained from the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) of the Republic of Indonesia, Novi said there are several ways that can be done to prevent cataracts. First, do early detection regularly by E-Tumbling. If you feel suspicion of cataracts, immediately refer to the nearest health service.
Second, stop smoking and drink alcohol. According to him, consuming cigarettes and alcohol excessively can increase the risk of cataracts.
Third, consume healthy food. The Masalembu community is advised to choose healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables, because it contains vitamins and nutrients that are good for the eyes.
“Don’t eat too much fish (dry, ed) and eat more vegetables, continue to reduce exposure to direct sunlight to your eyes,” Novi ordered the residents.
“Prevent it by eating lots of vegetables such as Moringa leaves and papaya,” she added.
Fourth, Novi suggested that people wear anti UV sunglasses. Because, UV light can lead to the development of cataracts. By using sunglasses, Novi continued, it can block UV B light from going into the eye when they are outdoor.
Finally, Novi said, treatment for cataract sufferers can only be done by surgery. The operation performed is not a major surgery, but only a small surgical operation on the cornea of the eye.
“The operation must be done immediately when the doctor has recommended an operation. The delay in surgery can be fatal, which is blindness, ” she concluded.
Author: Fariz Ilham Rosyidi
Editor: Feri Fenoria Rifa’i
