[Multimodal] "Estação do Olho" project mass screening in Rio de Janeiro

May is Vision Health Month and Blindness Awareness Month, so we’re launching our 4-part series to spotlight eye conditions affecting millions. First up: uncorrected refractive errors.

Uncorrected refractive errors affect over 1 billion people globally, making them the leading cause of vision impairment! About 153 million people are visually impaired due to uncorrected errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism; and 826 million more cases of unaddressed presbyopia. Low- and middle-income regions, especially in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, bear the brunt. Shockingly, 80% of these cases could be corrected with simple glasses or contacts!

What are Uncorrected Refractive Errors? These occur when the eye cannot properly focus light, causing blurry vision. Common types include myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism (distorted vision), and presbyopia (age-related near vision loss). Symptoms range from difficulty reading or seeing far objects to eye strain and headaches. Left untreated, they can impact education, work, and quality of life, especially for children and adults in underserved communities.

The good news? Most refractive errors are easily corrected! A simple eye exam can lead to glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery like LASIK for clear vision. Regular screenings are key, especially for kids, as early correction can boost learning and development. In many regions, access to affordable eye care remains a challenge, but global initiatives are working to bridge this gap.

If you’re squinting or struggling to see, book an eye exam. Share this post to highlight the importance of vision care and support access to glasses for those in need.

#VisionForAll #RefractiveErrors #EyeHealth #ClearVision

Eye-opening stats: Keratoconus affects approximately 1 in 725 people worldwide, but in some regions like the Middle East, it can be as high as 1 in 21! With modern diagnostic tools like corneal tomography, we’re discovering it’s more common than once thought (older estimates pegged it at 1 in 2,000). This condition often strikes in adolescence or early adulthood, making early detection crucial for preserving vision.

So, what is Keratoconus? It’s a progressive eye disorder where the cornea—the clear, dome-shaped front of your eye—thins and gradually bulges into a cone shape. This distorts vision, leading to symptoms like blurry or wavy vision, increased sensitivity to light, glare, and frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescriptions. For many, it can make everyday tasks like reading, driving, or recognizing faces challenging. While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, genetics, environmental factors (like UV exposure), and conditions like allergies or eye rubbing may play a role.

The good news? Keratoconus is manageable with the right care! Early diagnosis through advanced imaging can lead to treatments like specialized contact lenses (such as scleral lenses) to improve vision or corneal cross-linking, a procedure that strengthens the cornea to halt progression. In severe cases, corneal transplants may be an option. Regular check-ups with an eye specialist are essential to stay ahead of this condition.

If you or someone you know is experiencing vision changes, don’t wait—see an eye doctor. Sharing this post could help someone get the diagnosis and care they need. Together, we can protect our vision and support the Keratoconus community.

#KeratoconusAwareness #EyeHealth #VisionCare #ProtectYourEyes

Glaucoma impacts ~80 million people worldwide, and by 2040, that number could hit 111.8 million! It affects 1 in 200 people over 40, rising to 1 in 8 by age 80. Shockingly, over 50% of cases go undiagnosed in developed countries, and up to 90% in developing regions. Higher-risk groups include African, Asian, and Hispanic populations. Early detection is critical to saving sight!

What is Glaucoma? It’s a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often leading to irreversible vision loss if untreated. Known as the "silent thief of sight," it typically starts with no symptoms, gradually reducing peripheral vision. The main culprit? Elevated eye pressure, though genetics, age, and family history also play a role. Regular eye exams are vital since many don’t notice changes until the disease is advanced.

The good news? Glaucoma can be managed with early intervention! Treatments like medicated eye drops, laser procedures, or surgery can slow or halt progression, preserving your vision. Routine check-ups, especially if you’re over 40 or in a high-risk group, are key to catching it early.

Share this post to spread the word about glaucoma and encourage loved ones to get their eyes checked. Together, we can protect our vision and support the glaucoma community.

May is Vision Health Month and Blindness Awareness Month, and we’re wrapping up our 4-part series on eye diseases that affect millions with a focus on diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy affects ~103 million adults worldwide, and by 2030, that could soar to 160 million! It impacts about 27% of people with diabetes, with 1 in 3 over 40 showing signs in developed countries. Those with Type 1 diabetes face a higher risk (35%) than Type 2 (20-25%).

What is Diabetic Retinopathy? It’s a serious eye complication of diabetes that damages the retina’s blood vessels, potentially leading to blindness if untreated. High blood sugar weakens these vessels, causing leaks or abnormal growth. Symptoms like blurred vision, floaters, dark spots, or vision loss often appear late, making regular screenings vital. Anyone with diabetes—Type 1 or Type 2—is at risk, especially with poor blood sugar control or longer disease duration.

The good news? Early intervention can save your sight! Managing blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol is key. Treatments like laser therapy, anti-VEGF injections, or surgery can slow or stop progression. Annual eye exams with retinal photography or other imaging are essential for catching changes early, even before symptoms start.

If you or a loved one has diabetes, prioritize regular eye check-ups. Share this post to educate others and help protect vision in the diabetes community.

#DiabeticRetinopathy #EyeHealth #DiabetesAwareness #ProtectYourVision