Millions Globally Continue to Suffer Without Essential Eye Health Services
Millions Worldwide Remain Without Essential Eye Care, Especially in Poor Regions
Millions of people across the globe continue to lack access to essential eye care, including glasses, according to a new study. Despite progress in recent years, many still grapple with blurry vision due to the inability to obtain the prescription lenses they need. This issue goes beyond just reading or street sign recognition; it impacts education, employment, safety, and overall health.
Researchers examined over 800,000 individuals from 76 countries to assess access to vision correction and its absence. Their findings indicate that while some progress has been made, the pace of improvement is significantly slower than desired, with millions still struggling to access basic eye care.
According to the research, about 66% of those requiring vision correction are currently receiving it. This figure represents an increase of only six percentage points compared to 2010. The World Health Organization (WHO) aims to boost this percentage by 40 points by 2030. However, the current rate of progress raises doubts as to whether this ambitious target can be achieved.
The study highlights that common conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism – all easily treatable with glasses – continue to affect millions who cannot afford the necessary corrective measures.
The geographical location significantly impacts access to eye care. High-income areas, such as parts of North America and Western Europe, have better access, with around 85% of men and 83% of women in these regions receiving the necessary correction. In contrast, in poorer regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, the access rate drops to approximately 30% for men and 27% for women. Older adults and women are particularly affected, demonstrating that while some countries have made considerable progress, others are being left behind.
There are positive examples of countries committing to improve eye care. France now covers glasses under its national health insurance, while Pakistan has had national eye care programs in place for over two decades, leading to better access and fewer people suffering from untreated vision problems.
Changes in lifestyle, especially increased indoor time and screen usage among children, are contributing to a higher demand for glasses than in the past. Despite more people receiving glasses today than in 2000, current efforts have not kept pace with the growing demand.
The researchers emphasize that providing people with the glasses they need is not just about seeing better; it also supports education, employment, and overall well-being. People with clear vision are more likely to excel in school and maintain steady employment, and they are less likely to be injured or fall into poverty. Glasses are a simple, low-cost solution that can significantly enhance lives.
However, the worldwide gap in access to essential eye care remains considerable. Without accelerated efforts, millions will continue to experience poor vision that could be improved with glasses. Governments and agencies must intensify their efforts to reach those often overlooked if future reports are to show improved statistics. Vision care should not be considered a luxury; for many, it is the difference between getting by and falling behind.
Sources:- Study: Millions still lack access to basic eye care worldwide- Effective refractive error coverage in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of updated estimates from population-based surveys in 76 countries modeling the path towards the 2030 global target.
The study reveals a concerning gap in eye care, as millions around the globe grapple with medical-conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, which could be easily treated with glasses. this issue, often exacerbated in poor regions, impacts not only eye-health but also education, employment, and overall health-and-wellness. Despite progress, the pace of improvement in providing access to vision correction is considerably slower than the World Health Organization's target for 2030.
