WHO: People in low-income states highly vulnerable to blindness

THE World Health Organization (WHO) yesterday warned low-income countries they are more vulnerable to blindness and visual impairment, thus making it more necessary to improve access to quality eye care services.

In a statement on the World Sight Day, the WHO lamented the lack of sufficient eye care in low-income countries as one of the main reasons for widespread blindness.

"Surveys indicate that globally, 90 percent of people with blindness or low vision live in low-income countries," said the WHO-Western Pacific Region.

Worldwide, the WHO said, there are 39 million people who are blind and another 246 million people with poor vision.

Of this number, 10 million blind people and 79 million with poor vision live in the Western Pacific Region.

The leading cause of blindness in the world and in the Western Pacific Region is cataract, which is a clouding of the lens, a natural process that usually comes with age.

Other main causes of blindness in the Western Pacific Region include glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

Because of this, the WHO urged member-states to implement programs that will provide ample eye care, especially in poor communities.

"The WHO program is supporting low- and middle-income countries in their efforts to improve quality access to eye care services, especially for poor people. Activities include the support of human resource development and of increased access to eye health services for rural and poor populations," said the WHO.

(sumber : malaya.com.ph)