World Sight Day 2018: Eye Care Everywhere

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 253 million people worldwide suffer from some form of visual impairment and more than 75 percent of all vision issues are avoidable. Vision conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts can deteriorate one’s eyesight but receiving treatment and care can make all the difference in preventing total blindness.

Access to comprehensive eye care for children and adults is not readily available in a large part of the world. As a result, on the second Thursday of October the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) hosts “World Sight Day” with the goal of raising awareness about blindness and vision impairment and bringing global attention to the importance of universal eye health.

This year’s call to action is “Eye Care Everywhere.”

Here are three facts about vision care across the world:

1. Of the 253 million people worldwide with visual impairment, approximately 55 percent are women. Experts note several contributing factors, which includes the risk for certain eye conditions increasing with age coupled with women having a longer life expectancy than men.
2. Cataracts, which occur when the lens of the eye becomes progressively cloudy, resulting in blurred vision, are among the leading causes of blindness in the world. It’s estimated that nearly 18 million people are blind from this condition in the world, representing almost half of all global cases of blindness.  
3. Over the last 20 years, the rate of vision impairment around the world has dropped. However it is estimated those numbers could triple in the years to come due to both growth and aging of the population. According to WHO, in 2050 there could be an estimated 115 million people worldwide who are blind.

Recognizing the importance of “Eye Care Everywhere,” the multidisciplinary staff of The Eye Institute (TEI) remains committed to providing quality vision care to all. TEI offers a variety of comprehensive eye care services to help patients maintain their visual health including eye exams, prescription glasses and contact lens fittings, low vision services, protective eyewear solutions, and vision therapy. To schedule an appointment, call 215.276.6111.