Cataracts At A Young Age, Unhealthy Lifestyle To Diabetes Become The Main Trigger

Eye examination illustration. (Freepic)

JAKARTA - So far, cataracts are synonymous with eye disease in the elderly. However, in recent years, cataract cases have been found in many productive age groups.

This condition is a serious concern because it can interfere with the quality of life and reduce a person's productivity at an age who should still be actively working.

Chairman of the Association of Indonesian Eye Specialists (Perdami) Bekasi, dr. Irsad Sadri, Sp.M, said that cataracts are not only suffered by the elderly, but are also often experienced by young people.

"Although most of them are still experienced by the elderly, cataracts can appear at a younger age due to an unhealthy lifestyle," said doctor Irsad after the press conference "Social Service for Cataract Operations 2025" at Primaya Hospital, East Bekasi, recently.

This happens because an unhealthy lifestyle has the potential to cause high blood sugar levels, causing sugar to accumulate in the eye lens.

This buildup makes the lens swell and cloudy, while the increasing free radicals also damage protein and lens cells so that the eye loses its clarity.

Research shows that people with diabetes are at risk 2.5 times more exposed to cataracts and usually experience it more quickly than people without diabetes.

"The style of living is not healthy, such as a high diet of sugar, lack of exercise, and obesity is the main trigger for diabetes, so it indirectly accelerates the emergence of cataracts at a productive age," he explained.

According to dr. Irsad, cataracts are still the main cause of blindness in Indonesia with the prevalence rate that continues to increase every year.

To prevent these conditions, public education, early detection, and proper catatric handling are important steps so that this vision problem does not develop, triggering blindness.

"The operation, which is carried out using the fakoemulsification technique without stitches, can restore patients faster so that they can return to their activities immediately," he added.

On the same occasion, Yoseph Bambang Pamungkas, Chief Business Development Officer Primaya Hospital Group (PHG) explained, as a form of concern, Primaya Hospital Group (PHG) through EyeQu LASIK & Eye Center in collaboration with Perdami Bekasi held a Social SERVICE for Cataract Operations 2025 program for 85 patients.

PHG's Chief Business Development Officer, Yoseph Bambang Pamungkas, explained that the problem of cataracts is not only related to medical aspects, but also to the social realm. Therefore, it is important for the public to routinely check their eye health and adopt a healthy lifestyle.

"Early detection, routine examinations, and healthy lifestyles, people can reduce the risk of blindness which can actually be prevented. Through this social program, we not only provide medical services, but also educate the public about the importance of early detection and a healthy lifestyle to prevent cataracts," said Yoseph.