Cataracts are among the major causes of visual impairment for Filipinos
Cataract is one of the major causes of visual impairment among Filipinos, with 1.18 million or 1.06 percent of the population suffering from it, according to the Philippine Eye Research Institute (PERI).
In a recent online media forum, PERI director Dr. Leo Cubillan shared that the figure came from the Philippine eye disease study (PEDS) on the general population and described cataract as a condition where the lens of the eye would develop cloudy patches.
“Only 393,000 need surgery,” he said in the vernacular. “We don’t have many ophthalmologists so we prioritize those with very poor eyesight for surgery.”
About 423,000 individuals (0.38 percent) suffer from uncorrected error of refraction; 300,000 (0.27 percent) have glaucoma; and 223,000 (0.2 percent) struggle with maculopathy or diabetes mellitus retinopathy.
Cubillan said glaucoma is a damage of the nerve in the back of the eye due to high pressure while diabetes mellitus retinopathy is the presence of blood in the eyes due to high blood sugar level.
Only 393,000 need surgery,” he said in the vernacular. “We don’t have many ophthalmologists so we prioritize those with very poor eyesight for surgery.
“There are also infections in the cornea, which are also among the top 10 causes ,” Dr. Cubillan added.
Citing the PEDS 2018, the PERI director said there are 4.62 million Filipinos with little visual impairment and whose eyesight can be corrected with the wearing of appropriate eyeglasses.
Visual screening must be performed among patients who are 60 years old and above to check presence of cataract, uncorrected error of refraction, glaucoma, maculopathy, or diabetes mellitus retinopathy, he advised.
In 2019, the Department of Health said it aims to provide comprehensive eye care services, integrate eye care within local health systems, and respond to emerging eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma through the Universal Health Care law. (PNA)