It is said that the way we see the world determines our quality of life. This is true metaphorically as much as literally. Eyes are a beautiful gift of God and it plays a vital part in enjoying our lives.
However, many of us end up neglecting eye health, resulting in preventable eyesight loss. As per a report by the WHO, a minimum of 2.2 billion people in the world have distance or near vision impairment. Also, this scenario could have been avoided in 1 billion of these individuals if they received timely diagnosis and treatment.
Due to a fast-paced and neglected lifestyle among people, there has been an increase in vision loss cases in India. According to a study based on data from 14.5 lakh patients, the number has alarmingly risen by 21,000 in 2019.
According to the study, India is almost on the verge of a dry eye disease pandemic. It is also estimated that by 2040, it will affect 40% of the population. So, it’s high time we re-evaluate the importance of public awareness in curbing preventable blindness forever.
What are the causes of blindness?
Several reasons can cause blindness in an individual, which are explained below:
-
Cataract
Cataract is characterized by clouding of the lens of the eye, which leads to a decrease in visual clarity. In India, the condition is more prevalent in the elderly population, although it can affect individuals of all ages. The increased incidence of cataracts in India is attributed to several factors, including malnutrition, prolonged exposure to sunlight, and limited access to health services.
-
Glaucoma
Glaucoma includes a collection of eye disorders that damage the optic nerve and, if left untreated, can potentially lead to blindness. In India, it is the second most common cause of blindness after cataracts. Glaucoma can secretly cause visual impairment and remain asymptomatic until the condition reaches an advanced stage.
-
Refractive Errors
Refractive anomalies occur when the optical structure of the eye fails to properly refract light, resulting in impaired vision. Predominant refractive anomalies include myopia (nearsightedness), hypermetropia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. While individuals of all ages can be affected by refractive errors, they are particularly prevalent in the younger population.
-
Vitamin A Deficiency
Vitamin A deficiency is a significant public health challenge in India, with a particular impact on children and expectant mothers. Vitamin A plays a key role in maintaining optimal vision, strengthening the immune system, and promoting overall well-being. Inadequate intake of this essential nutrient can result in impaired vision, increased vulnerability to infections, and a host of other health complications.
How does eye disease impact an individual socially and physically?
Visual impairment has a subtle but profound effect on an individual’s life, affecting not only the person’s daily existence but also casting a shadow over the educational and professional prospects. Alleviating this burden requires a different approach, rooted in raising public awareness of common eye conditions to facilitate prompt seeking of eye care.
One strategic initiative involves seamlessly integrating comprehensive eye disease education into school curricula and subtly cultivating a culture of eye health awareness.
In addition, the field of higher education can be encouraged to educate a cadre of public health students to organize subtle yet effective eye care awareness campaigns for the general public. This effort not only contributes to a deeper understanding of the issue but also expands informed decision-making about eye health into the future.
To strengthen our commitment to cultivating public awareness of quality eye care, we may conduct discrete studies of knowledge, attitudes, and practices about visual impairment. These findings can then be disseminated discreetly through low-key information, education, and communication (IEC) initiatives, ensuring that the message reaches its intended audience with subtlety and resonance.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) like Tej Kohli and Ruit Foundation have already made quiet but significant efforts to support their partners across India. They discreetly provide quality eye care to communities with a special focus on the country’s youth.
How does public health policy help in preventing eye diseases?
Preventable blindness is a paramount concern in our national public health policy. To effectively combat the prevalence of untreated eye diseases across the country, a dynamic collaboration between the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), and the Government of India has given birth to a visionary initiative known as VISION 2020: Right to Sight-INDIA in 2004.
Working in tandem with its international counterpart, this initiative serves as a driving force for the formulation and implementation of comprehensive strategies and programs at the state level. Led by state governments, these initiatives are carefully crafted with significant input from local and global non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as Tej Kholi and Ruit Foundation.
The hallmark of VISION 2020: Right to Sight-INDIA is its unwavering commitment to facilitate strategies and programs aimed at eradicating preventable blindness in India. A key aspect of this initiative is the active involvement of the Government of India, which not only provides its support but also actively participates in organizing major events such as World Sight Day and Eye Donation Fortnight, among others.
VISION 2020: Right to Sight-INDIA essentially embodies the synergy of international expertise, local engagement, and government commitment working together to shed light on preventable blindness and ensure that every individual in India has the fundamental right to sight.
Way Forward
The population is increasingly aware of the prevalence of eye diseases; however, there is a growing tendency to overlook crucial information that could facilitate early detection and treatment. Conditions such as diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, refractive error, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), refractive errors, and low vision require immediate attention in terms of public education.
Specific demographic groups, including children, middle-aged individuals caring for aging parents, and seniors themselves, are prime candidates for targeted educational initiatives aimed at increasing eye health awareness and recognizing the basic signs and symptoms of eye disorders.
