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Half of the population of Tibet is blinded by treatable cataracts by age 70.
Tibet is known simply as the 'Roof of the World'. Situated at the centre of Asia, it has an average altitude of 13,000 feet above sea level and is home to Earth's highest mountains. The vast arid plateau and great river valleys make up the physical homeland of 6 million Tibetans.
Magnificent and rugged, Tibet holds both wonder and hardship for its native inhabitants. High altitude means high ultraviolet radiation damage to the eyes, giving Tibet one of the highest rates of blindness in the world. Studies revealed that blinding cataracts are present in 18% of Tibetans between the ages of 40 and 49 and more than 50% of those over the age of 70. It is terrible to be blind in a Third World country, and nowhere is it more devastating than in the mountainous terrain of the Himalayan regions. A blind person, without family support, has a life expectancy of about three years.
Cataract surgery is relatively easy and inexpensive but approximately 80% of the Tibetan population live in impoverished, rural areas and the standard of healthcare available to them is far below what most would consider acceptable. The population is spread over such a vast area that it is difficult for medical assistance to reach many people, and even more difficult for those in need to reach help.
The Tibet Fund is working to overcome these problems, and together with the Khawachen Assistance Program, has sponsored five surgical camps within Tibet, organized by Dr. S. Ruit of Nepal Tilganga Eye Center. Doctor Ruit and his team have treated up to 700 patients each visit and plan to return regularly to monitor those who have been treated and save more Tibetans from blindness.
For more information visit the Tibet Fund at www.tibetfund.org or the Tilganga Eye Center at www.tilganga.org
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