The Ebola epidemic in West Africa that ran from 2013 to 2016 was the worst outbreak in history, and claimed thousands of lives. While the outbreak is effectively over, many survivors are still dealing with the consequences. It turns out that one of these consequences can be blindness.
It was noted that the virus can be found hiding in the eye for months after the infection. However, it has recently been noted that about 20% of Ebola survivors experience eye complications including Uveitis followed by severe scarring and cataracts. This can lead to permanent blindness without treatment. Surgeons that operate on Ebola survivors must take extra precautions to remove cataracts or perform other procedures since the virus is known to be active in the eye while the patient is experiencing Uveitis.
Today, there are around 17,000 Ebola survivors in West Africa, meaning that there are around 3,400 survivors continuing to deal with serious eye complications that can stand in the way of livelihoods.
Ebola's Legacy: Children with Cataracts
~Scarlett Guo
It was noted that the virus can be found hiding in the eye for months after the infection. However, it has recently been noted that about 20% of Ebola survivors experience eye complications including Uveitis followed by severe scarring and cataracts. This can lead to permanent blindness without treatment. Surgeons that operate on Ebola survivors must take extra precautions to remove cataracts or perform other procedures since the virus is known to be active in the eye while the patient is experiencing Uveitis.
Today, there are around 17,000 Ebola survivors in West Africa, meaning that there are around 3,400 survivors continuing to deal with serious eye complications that can stand in the way of livelihoods.
Ebola's Legacy: Children with Cataracts
~Scarlett Guo
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