Every year, low vision awareness month emphasizes the need to create awareness about visual impairment and treatment options. In India, vision-related problems remain a serious public health issue. According to Indian statistics, more than 12 million people in India suffer from visual impairment, and approximately 4.8 million people are blind.
Recent surveys have also indicated that the prevalence of blindness in India stands at 0.36%, whereas moderate to severe visual impairment affects a much larger section of society. Notably, approximately 80% of blindness in India can be prevented or treated if it is diagnosed early.
While observing low vision awareness month, it is important to understand the difference between low vision and blindness, particularly when early consultation at an eye care hospital in Vadodara can prevent permanent vision loss.
What is Low Vision?
Low vision is a condition in which a person has significant visual impairment that cannot be fully corrected with glasses, contact lenses, medication, or surgery. However, some usable vision still remains.
People with low vision may experience:
- Blurred or distorted vision
- Difficulty recognizing faces
- Trouble reading or driving
- Reduced night vision
- Loss of central or peripheral vision
In India, cataract continues to be the leading cause of blindness, contributing to almost 66% of cases of blindness. The other leading causes of blindness in India are glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, refractive errors, and age-related macular degeneration. With the rising number of diabetes cases in India, diabetic retinopathy is turning out to be a major concern.
Early detection at an advanced eye hospital enables patients to undergo proper treatment, visual assistance, and rehabilitation. Consulting a reliable eye care hospital in Vadodara helps in taking prompt action and preventing any further deterioration.
What is Blindness?
Blindness is the loss of vision that is severe, with very limited or no sight. In India, a person is said to be legally blind if their visual acuity in the better eye is less than 3/60 even after best correction.
Unlike low vision, blindness can imply that the person cannot use their vision for their day-to-day activities.
India has one of the largest numbers of visually impaired people in the world. Research indicates that about 35% of visually impaired people in India are above the age of 60 years. This is an indication of the effect of aging on the eyes. Moreover, childhood blindness is also a concern that affects thousands of children due to nutritional deficiencies, infections, and congenital causes.
Visiting the best eye hospital in Vadodara as soon as the loss of vision is noticed can greatly help in preventing permanent blindness.
Why Awareness is Crucial in India
Although there has been improvement in the accessibility of healthcare, many people in India tend to postpone eye check-ups. This is more common in rural areas and the economically weaker sections of society. However, the National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment, a national initiative, has been working towards decreasing avoidable blindness, although awareness about it is limited.
Eye check-ups at an eye care hospital in Vadodara can help in the early detection of conditions such as glaucoma, which, in most cases, does not present any symptoms. Research has shown that approximately 50% of glaucoma patients in India are undiagnosed, thereby increasing the chances of permanent vision loss.
Early treatment at an advanced eye hospital with modern diagnostic facilities can help in the successful treatment of patients. During the low vision awareness month, people are advised to take preventive measures such as regular eye check-ups and timely treatment at the best eye hospital in Vadodara.
The Role of Specialized Eye Care
A renowned eye care hospital in vadodara provides end-to-end facilities such as retina care, cataract surgery, glaucoma services, pediatric ophthalmology, and low vision rehabilitation.
Selecting the best eye hospital in vadodara provides an opportunity to get the best treatment from experienced ophthalmologists and state-of-the-art surgical infrastructure. A state-of-the-art advanced eye hospital not only aims to treat patients but also to educate them and provide preventive measures.
This low vision awareness month is a reminder that early detection can save vision and enhance the quality of life. With proper care and assistance from an eye care hospital in vadodara, patients with low vision can lead independent and satisfying lives.
Conclusion
Low vision and blindness are not the same. Low vision is partial vision that can be maintained with proper medical attention and rehabilitation. Blindness is little to no vision. It is important to understand this in low vision awareness month.
With millions of people in India and a vast number of cases being preventable, it is important to have regular eye check-ups. Visiting the best eye hospital in Vadodara at the right time can prevent avoidable blindness and protect your vision.
For expert care, state-of-the-art facilities, and personalized attention, come to Desai Eye Hospitals, a renowned name in overall eye care.
Sources
- National Programme for Control of Blindness & Visual Impairment (NPCBVI)
https://npcbvi.mohfw.gov.in - Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India
https://mohfw.gov.in - Indian Journal of Ophthalmology
https://journals.lww.com/ijo - World Health Organization – India Vision Data
https://www.who.int/india/health-topics/blindness-and-vision-impairment