Lok Sabha Question No. 144 (STARRED), answered on 2016-11-25
Subject: Cases of Cataract and Blindness
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: C.S. PUTTARAJU

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 144 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 25 TH NOVEMBER, 2016 CASES OF CATARACT AN D BLINDNESS

## *144. SHRI C.S. PUTTA RAJU:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the rise in pollution levels and ultraviolet rays has spurted cataract and blindness cases in the country and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether any study has been conducted in the matter and if so, the details t
- (c)  whether  special  camps  are  being  organised  in  different  hospitals  acr country for free eye check up and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether schemes/programmes are under implementation for prevention, cure and care of cataract/blindness and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI FAGGAN SINGH KULASTE)

- (a) to ( d):  A statement is laid on the Table of the House

## STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 144* FOR 25 TH NOVEMBER, 2016

( a) & ( b ) Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute Medical Sciences, New Delhi has informed that a Multi - Centric Collaborative Study was conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on the impact ultraviolet  rays  (UVR)  exposure on  ocular  health  at  the  NCR  Region  (Rural Gurgaon), North Eastern Region (Rural Guwahati), coastal areas (Prakasam District of Andhra Pradesh ) from 2010 - 16.  The study has revealed significant association Cataract  with  UV  radiations  at  all  the  sites  of study.    Secondly,  since  India  is  a tropical country, the incidence of cataract is quite high. In addition, as per systematic reviews of world literature, most cataracts develop slowly with normal agein cause  of  age - related  cataract  is  multifactorial and  not  completely  understood. However, cataracts also may be related to genetic diseases, medical conditio as diabetes, poor nutrition, sun damage, drugs (steroids), smoking, alcohol. eye trauma may also influence cataract formation in a dd tion to ultraviolet rays.

Further,  rise  in  air  pollution  can  lead  to  allergies  in  eyes  of However, there  is  no  scientific  evidence  of  pollution  being  a  cause  of  c formation.

As per Rapid AssessmentofAvo idable Blindness (RAAB) national survey conductedin 2007, the prevalence of blindness has reduced from the earlier 1.1% in 2001- 02 to 1%in 2007 .Cataract accounts for 62% of total blindness. Hence, there no rise in the cases of cataract per million po pulation.

(c) Eye screening  camps  are  organized  under  the  direct  supervision  of  Dis Health  authorities  in  States  under National  Programme  for  Control  of  Blindness ( NPCB )to identify the patients suffering from cataract and other eye ailment patients identified with cataract and other blinding disorders are p appropriate treatment/surgery at the District/base hospitals.

Non - Governmental Organiza tions (NGOs) registered under NPCB also hold outreach camps with the permission of district health authorities concerned t patients for Cataract and bring them to their base hospital s for Cataract surgery free of cost.  These NGOs are provided gran t - in - aid @ Rs.1000/ -per Cataract operation as per NPCB norms.

(d) NPCB is one of the centrally sponsored schemes under implementation in Ministry  of  Health  and  Family Welfare  for  prevention,  cure  and  care cataract/blindness in the country.

The goals and objectives of the programme are as under:

- To reduce the backlog of blindness including cataract through identifi and  treatment  of  blind  at  primary,  secondary  and  tertiary  levels  bas assessment of the overall burden of visual impairment in the country.
- Develop  and  strengthen  the  strategy of  NPCB  for  'Eye  Health'  and prevention of visual impairment through provision of comprehensive eye care services and quality service delivery.
- Strengthening  and  upgradation  of Regional  Institutes  of  Ophthalmology ( RIOs) to become centre of excellence in v arious sub- specialties of ophthalmology.
- Strengthening  the  existing  and  developing  additional  human  resources infrastructure facilities for providing high quality comprehensive Eye Care in all Districts of the country;
- To enhancecommunity awarene ss on eye care and lay stress on preventive measures;
- Increase  and  expand  research  for  prevention  of  blindness  and  vi impairment;
- To  secure  participation  of  Voluntary  Organizations/Private  Practition eye Care.

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