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• Over 85% of blindness cases in India are preventable or treatable, with cataract being the leading cause.
• Awareness and early detection are crucial in preventing blindness, especially in conditions like diabetic retinopathy.
• The issue of preventable blindness is not just a health concern but also a social and economic challenge, affecting education and economic growth.
• Technology and infrastructure play a significant role in addressing this issue, with advancements like assistive eyewear and 'smart' walking sticks offering promising solutions.

India, home to the largest number of blind individuals globally, faces a significant public health challenge. However, experts have recently shed light on a hopeful statistic: over 85% of blindness cases in the country are preventable or treatable. This revelation was shared on World Sight Day, an annual day of awareness to focus global attention on blindness and vision impairment.

Dr. Rajesh Sinha, a Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at AIIMS New Delhi, emphasized that nearly 85% of blindness worldwide is avoidable. He further explained that ocular causes of preventable blindness include infections and vitamin A deficiency, while treatable blindness can result from conditions like cataract, uncorrected refractive error, and diabetic retinopathy.

The National Blindness and Visual Impairment Survey reveals that cataract is the leading cause of blindness in India, accounting for 66.2% of all cases. Other significant contributors include uncorrected refractive errors (18.6%), glaucoma (6.7%), corneal opacities (0.9%), childhood blindness (1.7%), and diabetic retinopathy (3.3%).

The Importance of Awareness and Early Detection

Dr. Ikeda Lal, a Senior Cornea, Cataract, and Refractory Surgery Specialist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital New Delhi, echoed Dr. Sinha's sentiments. He stressed the importance of spreading awareness about preventable blindness, as the majority of these cases could be avoided if people knew how to address them.

Diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes, is another significant cause of blindness in India. Given the high prevalence of diabetes in the country, this condition is a growing concern. Regular screenings and proper treatment can prevent vision loss from diabetic retinopathy, highlighting the importance of early detection and intervention.

The issue of preventable blindness is not just a health concern but also a social and economic challenge. Children with visual impairment are less likely to attend school and receive a quality education, limiting their future job opportunities and earning potential. This can perpetuate the cycle of poverty and reduce overall economic growth.

Addressing the Challenge: The Role of Technology and Infrastructure

Moreover, the uneven distribution of eye care facilities across the country exacerbates the problem. While some regions have a relatively high density of these facilities, others, especially rural areas, have a severe shortage. This disparity underscores the need for a more equitable distribution of resources and services.

Historically, India has grappled with the issue of blindness and vision impairment for decades. However, advancements in technology and medical science have brought about promising solutions. For instance, assistive eyewear like the OrCam MyEye Pro uses cutting-edge technology to help completely blind wearers by actively analyzing and describing the world around them. Similarly, 'smart' walking sticks equipped with artificial intelligence can assist visually impaired users in navigating their surroundings.