Around 485,000 people in Pakistan are blind, while nearly nine million experience visual impairment and require spectacles, according to Dr Uzma Bukhari, Principal of Dow International Medical College (DIMC), and other leading ophthalmologists.
The experts warned that although cataracts remain a major cause of blindness, glaucoma is another serious eye disease that can cause irreversible vision loss. They stressed that timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help control the condition and reduce the risk of further damage.
Globally, an estimated 39 million people are blind, while 285 million experience various forms of visual impairment. Approximately 80 million people worldwide are also estimated to be living with glaucoma, the experts said.
They shared these views at an awareness seminar organised in connection with World Sight Day. An awareness walk was held before the seminar to highlight the importance of eye health and the prevention of avoidable blindness.
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The seminar was also addressed by Dr Mussarat Riaz, Director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology (NIDE); Professor Zeba Ahmed, Director of Dow University Hospital; Professor Nisar Ahmed Sial; and other eye-care specialists.
Dr Uzma Bukhari led the awareness walk, which began at the Trauma Centre and concluded at NIDE.
Glaucoma Often Develops Without Symptoms
During the seminar, ophthalmologists explained that glaucoma may not cause noticeable symptoms during its early stages. Patients can experience no pain or discomfort and may remain unaware of progressive vision loss until significant damage has occurred.
The experts emphasised the importance of regular eye examinations, particularly for people over 40, individuals with diabetes and those with a family history of glaucoma.
Early detection can help doctors manage the disease before further damage occurs. The specialists urged people not to wait for symptoms before seeking an eye examination.
Diabetes Increases the Need for Eye Screening
Dr Mussarat Riaz said NIDE gives special attention to eye examinations for patients with diabetes because the condition increases their risk of vision-related complications.
She noted that glaucoma is associated with increased pressure inside the eye, although it can also develop without elevated eye pressure. People with diabetes require regular eye assessments to help identify conditions that threaten their sight.
The experts also highlighted the importance of screening for diabetic retinopathy, a complication that can damage the blood vessels in the retina and lead to vision loss if left untreated.
Cataracts Remain a Major Cause of Blindness
Professor Nisar Ahmed Sial said available data indicated that cataracts account for 49 per cent of blindness cases, while the remaining 51 per cent result from other causes, including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
He expressed concern that many people with diabetes in Pakistan do not undergo regular retinal examinations despite the high prevalence of the disease.
Professor Sial stressed that people over 40 should prioritise regular eye check-ups to identify potentially sight-threatening conditions at an early stage.
The specialists concluded that greater public awareness, routine screening and timely treatment are essential to reducing preventable vision loss in Pakistan.
