Nairobi — Coast Province has the highest number of people with eye cataract disease.

Experts say over 1, 400 people from the region are operated on every year.

The President of Lions Club Mombasa, Mr Talal Balala said the disease, also known as river eye disease, affects many people in the Coast due to air and water pollution.

He was speaking at a free eye-screening clinic sponsored by Barclays Bank and Eye and Blood Center in Mombasa.

Balala said the disease mainly affects adults who are over 40 years old. It can lead to total blindness if not treated.

He said that the disease could also be caused by exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun. He advised people in sunny areas such as the Coast to wear sunglasses and hats to reduce exposure to the rays.

Barclays Bank, Kenya launched a Sh6 million-eyesight restoration project last year.

Over 200 people were screened and treated during the clinic.