August is Sight Saving Month in the Philippines. Learn about common eye diseases, their symptoms, and how to protect your vision. Find resources for eye care.
Every August, the Philippines celebrates Sight Saving Month, a crucial time to raise awareness about eye health and prevent avoidable blindness. Many Filipinos are at risk of developing various eye diseases that can impair their vision and quality of life.
This article will discuss the most prevalent eye diseases in the Philippines, their causes, symptoms, and treatments. We’ll also provide resources and agencies you can turn to for more information and support.
Common Eye Diseases in the Philippines
Cataracts
Causes: Aging, prolonged exposure to UV radiation, diabetes, smoking, and certain medications
Symptoms: Cloudy or blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, sensitivity to light and glare, double vision in one eye, and seeing “halos” around lights
Treatments: Surgery to remove the clouded lens and replace it with an artificial lens.
Glaucoma
Causes: Increased pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure) that damages the optic nerve
Symptoms: Gradual loss of peripheral vision, often without noticeable symptoms in the early stages
Treatments: Eye drops, laser surgery, or microsurgery to lower intraocular pressure
Diabetic Retinopathy
Causes: High blood sugar levels in people with diabetes that damage the blood vessels in the retina
Symptoms: Blurred vision, floaters, dark spots, difficulty seeing colors, and vision loss
Treatments: Laser surgery, injections of medications into the eye, or vitrectomy (surgery to remove blood and scar tissue from the eye)
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Causes: Aging and genetic factors that damage the macula, the central part of the retina
Symptoms: Blurred central vision, difficulty seeing fine details, and distorted vision
Treatments: There is no cure for AMD, but treatments such as injections of medications into the eye or laser therapy can slow its progression
Refractive Errors
Causes: Irregular shape of the cornea or lens that prevents light from focusing properly on the retina
Symptoms: Blurred vision at near or far distances, eye strain, and headaches
Treatments: Corrective eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery (LASIK, PRK)
Conjunctivitis (Pinkeye)
Causes: Viral or bacterial infection, allergies, or irritants
Symptoms: Redness, itching, tearing, discharge, and a gritty feeling in the eye
Treatments: Antibiotic eye drops (for bacterial infections), antihistamine eye drops (for allergies), or artificial tears (for irritants)
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Protecting Your Vision: Prevention and Early Detection
- Regular eye exams: Schedule comprehensive eye exams with an ophthalmologist or optometrist, especially if you have risk factors for eye diseases
- Healthy lifestyle: Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking
- UV protection: Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays to protect your eyes from sun damage
- Control blood sugar: If you have diabetes, manage your blood sugar levels to prevent diabetic retinopathy
- Proper eye hygiene: Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your eyes to prevent infections
- Workplace eye safety: Wear protective eyewear if you work in an environment with potential eye hazards
Resources for Eye Care in the Philippines
- Top eye clinics in the Philippines (Top.org)
- Find an eye doctor to help you (Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology)
- Philippine Eye Research Institute (DOH partner in blindness prevention)
- Enhanced Philhealth coverage for cataract operation
Protecting your vision is essential for maintaining your overall health and well-being. By understanding the common eye diseases in the Philippines, their causes, symptoms, and treatments, you can take proactive steps to prevent vision loss and ensure a lifetime of clear sight.
During Sight Saving Month and beyond, prioritize regular eye exams and seek professional help if you experience any vision problems.
Photo by Soroush Karimi on Unsplash
DISCLAIMER
This article provides general information and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
