Climate Change Increase Cataract

EXPERTS say the risk of cataracts will be higher due to climate change. That is because the depletion of the ozone layer which affects the increase in ultraviolet rays that enter the earth. Andreas Mueller of the Fred Hollows Foundation says there are three major factors that can lead to cataracts, namely age, smoking, and exposure to ultraviolet.

Although cataracts can be addressed through routine surgery, the disease has become the culprit for almost 50% of cases of avoidable blindness worldwide.

"The solution could be as simple as selecting sun protection by using objects, such as with a wide brim hat, or sunglasses," said Mueller.

In a separate report, an organization Doctors for Environment, Australia, found climate change will increase the number of cases of infectious diseases and respiratory tract. In the coming decades, they expect the health of children and the elderly will be in danger because of the increased temperature of the earth.