Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

6 Million People In Delhi Living With Poor Vision: AIIMS Study

About 6 million people in India's capital city are living with several vision problems, such as poor distance vision or near vision, according to a recent study by doctors at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi.

The study, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences at AIIMS, and submitted to the World Health Organization (WHO), also flagged major gaps in eye care services in Delhi, the Times of India reported.

An estimated one-third of the population in the national capital was identified with refractive errors or presbyopia -- conditions that can usually be corrected with a pair of glasses. Globally, 826 million people suffer from presbyopia.

About 70 percent of older adults in the capital city were identified with the problem.

Alarmingly, about 13.1 percent school-going children had refractive errors, Dr. Praveen Vashist, professor and head of community ophthalmology at AIIMS, was quoted as saying. 

The study showed a lack of access to vision correction. While just 60 percent of people needing distance vision correction could access care, those with near vision correction could access care in over 47 percent of cases. 

<ul><li>women had the lowest access to spectacles compared to men</li><li>lack of trained eye care workers, </li><li>the affordability of spectacles, </li><li>limited outreach to vulnerable groups -- elderly patients, rural women, and economically weaker populations.</li></ul>The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least one optometrist for every 50,000 people.

But Dr. Vashisth noted that Delhi currently has only 1,085 ophthalmologists and approximately 489 optometrists. 

Further, only 50 community-level vision centers, out of the has 249 eye care institutions in the city were found to be functioning. Moreover, only about 25 percent of children were receiving free spectacles through public health initiatives.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), at least 2.2 billion people worldwide have near or distance vision impairment. Of these, at least 1 billion cases could be prevented with increased access to eyeglasses and cataract surgeries 

The WHO identifies refractive errors and cataracts as the leading causes of vision impairment and blindness. 

Vision loss can affect people of all ages; however, most people with vision impairment and blindness are over the age of 50.

<ul><li>Eat fruits and veggies, especially leafy greens like spinach, kale, and fish like salmon and tuna, to protect your sight.</li><li>Be physically active, as being overweight or obese can increase risk for diabetes and other conditions that can lead to vision problems.</li><li>If your vision gets blurry, use glasses to help you see better.</li><li>Always wash your hands before putting them close to your eyes, especially if you’re putting in or taking out contact lenses. </li><li>Use protective eyewear while playing a favorite sport or mowing the lawn</li><li>Wear your shades to prevent the sun’s rays from hurting your eyes. </li><li>Give your eyes a break with the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look about 20 feet away for 20 seconds.</li><li>Quit smoking as it can put you at risk of serious eye issues, leading to blindness.</li></ul>

Health Conditions A-Z

health

vision

eye health

vision loss

presbyopia

world health organization

all india institute of medical sciences

Bristol Palin May Turn To Botox Or Surgery To Treat Facial Paralysis

What Science Says About Leucovorin - The Drug White House Touted For Autism

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

About 6 million people in India's capital city are living with several vision problems, such as poor distance vision or near vision, according to a recent study by doctors at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. The study, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences at AIIMS, and submitted to the World Health Organization (WHO), also flagged major gaps in eye care services in Delhi, the Times of India reported. An estimated one-third of the population in the national capital was identified with refractive errors or presbyopia -- conditions that can usually be corrected with a pair of glasses. Globally, 826 million people suffer from presbyopia.About 70 percent of older adults in the capital city were identified with the problem. Alarmingly, about 13.1 percent school-going children had refractive errors, Dr. Praveen Vashist, professor and head of community ophthalmology at AIIMS, was quoted as saying. Gaps In Eye Care The study showed a lack of access to vision correction. While just 60 percent of people needing distance vision correction could access care, those with near vision correction could access care in over 47 percent of cases. Further, the doctors found:women had the lowest access to spectacles compared to menlack of trained eye care workers, the affordability of spectacles, limited outreach to vulnerable groups -- elderly patients, rural women, and economically weaker populations.The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least one optometrist for every 50,000 people. But Dr. Vashisth noted that Delhi currently has only 1,085 ophthalmologists and approximately 489 optometrists.    Further, only 50 community-level vision centers, out of the has 249 eye care institutions in the city were found to be functioning. Moreover, only about 25 percent of children were receiving free spectacles through public health initiatives.Global Eye BurdenAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), at least 2.2 billion people worldwide have near or distance vision impairment. Of these, at least 1 billion cases could be prevented with increased access to eyeglasses and cataract surgeries The WHO identifies refractive errors and cataracts as the leading causes of vision impairment and blindness.  Vision loss can affect people of all ages; however, most people with vision impairment and blindness are over the age of 50.Here's how to maintain a healthy vision:Eat fruits and veggies, especially leafy greens like spinach, kale, and fish like salmon and tuna, to protect your sight.Be physically active, as being overweight or obese can increase risk for diabetes and other conditions that can lead to vision problems.If your vision gets blurry, use glasses to help you see better.Always wash your hands before putting them close to your eyes, especially if you’re putting in or taking out contact lenses. Use protective eyewear while playing a favorite sport or mowing the lawnWear your shades to prevent the sun’s rays from hurting your eyes. Give your eyes a break with the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look about 20 feet away for 20 seconds.Quit smoking as it can put you at risk of serious eye issues, leading to blindness.