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India's Silent Vision Crisis: Millions Ignore Eye Health
30 Jan
Summary
- Many Indians delay eye exams, mistaking vision loss for aging.
- Cataracts, diabetes-related disease, and glaucoma cause widespread vision loss.
- Early detection and management are crucial for preventing irreversible vision loss.
Vision impairment is a significant public health concern in India, with millions affected by preventable or manageable conditions. Many individuals delay seeking medical attention for eye problems, attributing symptoms like blurry vision or headaches to aging or lifestyle factors. This neglect allows conditions such as cataracts, which cause clouding of the eye's lens, and dry eyes, exacerbated by screen use and pollution, to progress.
Diabetes poses a severe risk to eye health in India, contributing to diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of vision loss among working adults. Glaucoma, often silent and painless, leads to irreversible vision loss by damaging the optic nerve, with many cases going undiagnosed until significant sight has already diminished.
The coexistence of diabetes and glaucoma heightens the risk, nearly doubling it for diabetics. High blood sugar damages blood vessels supplying the optic nerve and affects eye fluid drainage, increasing intraocular pressure. Even normal eye pressure can cause damage if diabetes is long-standing and poorly managed.
Experts stress that vision loss from glaucoma is irreversible, making early screening essential. Regular eye check-ups are critical for individuals over 40 and those with long-standing diabetes to detect these conditions early. Maintaining good glycaemic control, a healthy lifestyle, and avoiding smoking can minimize complications.
