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Faridabad, August 30, 2024 — A staggering 75% of corneal blindness cases in India remain untreated due to a severe shortage of eye donors, a leading ophthalmologist revealed on Thursday. Corneal blindness, the second leading cause of visual impairment in the country, currently affects an estimated 1.1 million people, but only 25,000 of these individuals receive the necessary surgical intervention each year.
“This alarming statistic means that only one in four individuals with corneal blindness can undergo the required surgery, leaving 75% of cases untreated,” said the ophthalmologist from Amrita Hospital, Faridabad. The growing number of cases, compounded by an aging population, rising incidence of corneal infections, and injuries, is contributing to the surge in corneal blindness across India.
Dr. Meenakshi Dhar, Head of the Department of Ophthalmology at Amrita Hospital, highlighted additional causes of corneal blindness, which include vitamin A deficiency in children, degenerative conditions like keratoconus and corneal dystrophies, congenital corneal opacification, and post-surgical complications. “The symptoms of corneal blindness vary depending on the underlying cause, but most patients experience blurred vision in the affected eye. Eye infections can cause significant pain, redness, watering, and severe photophobia during the acute phase, while visible scars on the cornea are often detectable during an eye examination,” Dr. Dhar explained.
Geographical disparities also play a significant role in the prevalence of corneal blindness in India. States such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh have reported higher rates of visual impairment, including corneal blindness. These regions face multiple challenges, including inadequate eye care facilities, lower rates of eye donation, and higher exposure to risk factors like agricultural injuries and infectious diseases.
Corneal blindness is particularly prevalent in agricultural areas, where eye injuries often lead to fungal infections. “While corneal transplantation remains the most definitive treatment option for advanced cases, other treatments such as laser therapy, scleral contact lenses, amniotic membrane transplants, and stem cell therapy are available,” Dr. Dhar noted.
The lack of eye donors remains a significant barrier to treating corneal blindness in India. Despite efforts to promote eye donation, the gap between the number of people needing corneal transplants and the availability of donor corneas remains vast. Preventive measures, including proper eye hygiene, prompt treatment of infections, vaccination, and health education, can significantly reduce the risk of corneal blindness. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to improving outcomes for those affected by corneal conditions.
As India grapples with the growing burden of corneal blindness, increasing awareness about the importance of eye donation and enhancing eye care infrastructure in underserved regions are essential steps toward addressing this pressing public health challenge.
