What people know about eye diseases?
This survey was done 9 years ago but things have not changed drastically.
The National Eye Institute (NEI) and the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) conducted a national survey to assess public knowledge, attitudes and practices around eye health and disease in USA in 2005. More than 3,000 people were randomly selected to participate in telephone survey. Below are some important facts. These are based on USA people’s knowledge and are applicable all over world including India. At the most common people’s awareness about most of the disease in India is less than that of western population.
- Most Americans do not know the risks and warning signs of diseases that could blind them.
- Only 8% knew that there are no early warning signs of glaucoma.
- Only 16% had ever heard of the term low vision, which is vision loss that neither eyeglasses nor medical therapies can help.
- More than 70% surveyed say that a loss of their eyesight would have the greatest impact on their day-to-day life.
- Many said they consider the loss of eyesight to be worse than losing an arm or leg, or the ability to hear or speak.
- 41% said that they had not seen or heard anything about eye health or disease in the last year.
In India, Population based studies done 4-5 years ago have confirmed these findings. The findings reinforce the critical need to educate the public about common eye diseases, such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and age-related macular degeneration.
We strongly recommend people get their eyes examined regularly by eye specialist. Regular eye examinations will help protect people’s vision by detecting eye diseases early and can be treated more effectively.
Let us all go for regular eye check up (health check up).