Ophthalmologists emphasize that most eye conditions leading to vision loss can be prevented or even cured when detected early, according to Dr. Larisa Neamțu, a specialist at Hyperclinic Medical Park.
She highlighted that regular eye exams — whether annual or more frequent if needed — combined with strict adherence to prescribed treatment, are key to avoiding blindness from treatable eye diseases.
Refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia — which typically emerges between ages 40 and 50 — remain the most common reasons people visit eye care professionals.
Dr. Neamțu noted that approximately half of all young adults are affected by myopia, a condition now considered one of the greatest threats to eye health today.
Globally, over 277 million people suffer from high-degree myopia, which can lead to severe complications, including vision loss.
These issues can often be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or, in some cases, surgical intervention.
On a global scale, about three in four vision impairments are avoidable through routine eye exams and proper treatment, as reported by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB).
The World Health Organization estimates that roughly 2.2 billion people worldwide experience some form of vision impairment, with half of these cases potentially preventable or delayed through timely intervention.
Dr. Neamțu described blindness as both a serious health concern and a significant social issue, underscoring the importance of proactive eye care.
