It is common for individuals to develop eye conditions at some point in their life, and the number of people affected globally by preventable or untreated vision impairments is estimated to be over 1 billion. Failing to address vision impairments can have long-term personal and economic consequences, and individuals of all ages can be affected, although those over 50 are more commonly impacted. In particular, children with severe vision impairment may struggle with education, while adults may experience reduced productivity, decreased workforce participation, and higher rates of depression. Access to eye care services is especially important in low- and middle-income settings where the burden of vision impairment is greater. While cataracts and uncorrected refractive errors are leading causes of vision impairment, there are other important causes that must be addressed, including age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, infectious diseases, and eye trauma.
Prevention
Effective prevention strategies can target various types of eye conditions, including those acquired or present from birth, myopia, ocular trauma, and infections and inflammations of the eye. An example of a successful preventive strategy for children is a combination of increased outdoor time and decreased near-work activities to delay the onset and slow the progression of myopia, thereby reducing the risk of high myopia and its complications in the future.
Prevention and management of systemic diseases like diabetes and hypertension can also effectively reduce the risk of ocular diseases. Additionally, interventions such as vitamin A supplementation and immunization against measles and rubella can prevent corneal opacities that can occur as a secondary effect of these conditions.
Another example of prevention involves promoting the use of protective eye equipment, such as masks, goggles, and visors, during high-risk activities and industries such as certain sports, agricultural work, construction, and welding, to reduce the risk of workplace ocular injuries.
Treatment
Although there are effective interventions available to address the leading causes of vision impairment, such as optical correction for refractive errors and cataract surgery, there remains a significant unmet need for care. The most commonly used interventions worldwide for refractive error are spectacles, contact lenses, and refractive surgeries, all of which are highly cost-effective and can significantly improve an individual’s quality of life.
Long-term monitoring is necessary to manage and control the progression of many eye conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, pterygium, amblyopia, strabismus, and retinopathy of prematurity. Treatment is also required for acute eye conditions that cause pain and discomfort, such as dry eye, conjunctivitis, and blepharitis. The management of these eye conditions typically involves treating the cause or alleviating the symptoms to prevent further complications.
For individuals with vision impairment that cannot be corrected or reversed, rehabilitation measures are available. These include braille reading, counseling, home skills training, mobility training with white canes, and digital assistive technologies to ensure safe, independent mobility for individuals living with blindness.
