RN Mohanty is the CEO of Sightsavers India. With over thirty years of experience, RN, as his peers fondly address him, has held leadership positions at various development sector organisations. A key strategist, RN is a realist in spearheading new initiatives.
In the vast expanse of global health challenges, the statistic that 609 million out of 1.1 billion people with vision loss are female stands as a stark testament to the unique hurdles women face. This imbalance is not merely a statistical anomaly; it reflects deeper societal dynamics.
In every corner of the globe, women play indispensable roles as educators, leaders, caregivers, and breadwinners. Yet, amidst their myriad responsibilities, women often neglect their health, including the well-being of their eyes, because of socio-cultural norms, economic constraints, and gender disparities, which compound formidable barriers. Moreover, it's crucial to recognise the intricate intersectionality between gender and disability. Women with disabilities, often overlooked and underserved, face challenges in accessing adequate eye care.
One aspect of preventive healthcare often overlooked is eye care. While many associate eye exams solely with vision correction, regular eye check-ups are essential for more than ensuring clear sight. They play a pivotal role in the early detection and prevention of potentially sight-threatening conditions, such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.
Vision impairment and blindness affect millions worldwide, with a significant proportion of cases being preventable or treatable with early intervention.
Regular Eye Check-ups
Scheduling routine eye exams should be as essential as your annual physical. These check-ups can catch early signs of eye conditions like glaucoma and cataracts. By staying proactive about vision health and scheduling routine exams, one can take control of one's eye health and enjoy clear vision for years to come.
Emphasising the importance of routine eye exams fosters a culture of proactive health management among women. By prioritising regular assessments, individuals are empowered to take ownership of their eye health, thus averting potential complications and preserving long-term visual function. Moreover, routine screenings facilitate early intervention for emerging conditions, fostering a proactive rather than reactive approach to ocular health.
Early Detection of Ocular Conditions
Routine eye exams offer a pre-emptive approach to identifying ocular ailments in their nascent stages. Of particular concern are conditions such as glaucoma; in most cases, there are no early symptoms of glaucoma. Between 50% - 90% of cases with glaucoma remain unaware of their condition until diagnosis. Regular screenings facilitate the timely intervention necessary to forestall irreversible vision loss.
A Deeper Look: Beyond Vision Correction
The misconception that eye exams are only necessary for those experiencing vision problems is inaccurate. Eye exams are instrumental in identifying eye diseases and conditions that may not manifest noticeable symptoms in their early stages. This is particularly true for certain eye conditions, like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.
Glaucoma: The Silent Threat
Glaucoma, often referred to as the "silent thief of sight," is a prime example of an eye disease that can quietly advance without obvious symptoms until irreversible vision loss occurs. It's estimated that between 2.7% and 4.3% of adults aged 40 and above in India is affected by glaucoma. Many individuals may remain unaware of their condition until it reaches an advanced stage, highlighting the critical importance of early detection through regular eye exams.
Diabetic Retinopathy: A Growing Concern
For women living with diabetes, another significant concern is diabetic retinopathy, a complication that affects the eyes. This condition often develops without noticeable symptoms in the early stages, emphasising the need for proactive screening through comprehensive eye exams.
Empowering Women through Preventive Eye Care
Women hold the key to their health and well-being. By prioritising regular eye exams, they ensure optimal vision correction and empower themselves with the knowledge and early detection of potential eye diseases. Early intervention can make all the difference in preserving vision and maintaining quality of life.
Empowering women through preventive eye care entails fostering awareness and understanding of ocular health principles and practices. Education initiatives aimed at women, their families, and communities play a pivotal role in disseminating information about the importance of regular eye examinations, lifestyle modifications for ocular health, and early signs of vision-related conditions.
Take Charge of Your Eye Health
It's time to prioritise preventive eye care as an integral part of an overall health regimen. Schedule regular eye exams, regardless of whether you experience vision problems, and advocate for eye health with the same diligence devoted to other aspects of well-being.
In conclusion, empowering women through preventive eye care is not just about preserving vision; it's about recognising the intrinsic value of women's health and well-being with comprehensive access to healthcare. Through education, awareness, and proactive measures, we can equip women with the knowledge and resources they need to take charge of their eye health and, by extension, their overall quality of life.
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