While millions of Americans suffer from cataracts, most have surgery to restore their sight and 95 percent of the time it is successful. But in other parts of the world cataracts go untreated blinding tens of millions of people, and the Himalayan Mountain region is among the hardest hit. It's unclear to doctors if the intense UV sunlight at the high altitude is the main cause, or if diet or genetics play a major role. But treatable cataracts cause blindness in half the population of Tibet by age 70, and many by age 40. Regardless of cause, Girlawhirl couldn't believe it when she first learned of the extent of the problem. But thankfully, she heard about The Himalayan Cataract Project at the same time.

The Tilganga Eye Center in Kathmandu is the project's home base. It was the first (and now premier) outpatient cataract facility in Nepal. In 2003, doctors at the center performed over 9,000 surgeries, examined more than 130,000 outpatients, and its outreach program helped another 35,000 people. The project also has dedicated doctors and volunteers working in Tibet, China, Bhutan, India, Sikkim and Pakistan. They have restored sight to tens of thousands of blind people in the past 12 years, often saving not only their sight, but their lives as well because according to the project, a blind person living in the Himalayan Region without family support has only a three-year life expectancy.

Closer to home, Girlawhirl also found that the Lions Clubs International has many programs that help preserve eyesight and assist those who are blind. Since Helen Keller challenged the Lions to be ‘the knights of the blind in this crusade against darkness' in 1925, the organization has risen to the occasion with recycling programs for eyeglasses, glaucoma screenings, and support services such as Braille writers, guide dogs and even corneal transplants.

Girlawhirl pays more attention to her own eyes these days. She's sure to wear sunglasses whenever she's outside, and takes more breaks throughout the day when she's at the office staring at her computer. She even gathered some old eyeglasses from her family, co-workers and Super Pals and sent them to the Lions for recycling.

For more information about the Himalayan Cataract Project or Lions Eye Health Program.