IPOH, Oct 10: Perak recorded the highest number of cataract patients in Malaysia last year, with 6,555 cases out of the national total of 66,493, according to the Health Ministry.
Deputy Health Director-General (Medical) Datuk Dr Mohd Azman Yacob said several factors influenced the trend, including complications from non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly diabetes and high blood pressure.
“About 10 per cent of cataract patients nationwide are from Perak. This is closely linked to NCDs, as the state’s rate is statistically higher than that of other states,” he said.
He added that ageing and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays without adequate eye protection could also accelerate the deterioration of the eye’s lens, leading to cataracts.
He was speaking at a press conference after attending the launch of a public-private partnership between the government and Perak Community Specialist Hospital (PCSH) for a cataract surgery programme here today.
- BERNAMA