Vision Loss Predicted to Surge by 55% in 30 Years, Impacting 600 Million, Blamed on Aging Population and Lifestyle Changes

With World Braille Day having just passed, vision loss is predicted to surge by 55% by 2050, impacting an estimated 600 million new individuals, according to the ‘Vision Atlas’ report by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). In 2020, approximately 1.1 billion people were believed to have vision impairment, encompassing near vision loss, mild vision loss, moderate to severe vision loss, and blindness. By 2050, this overall figure is expected to rise to around 1.8 billion people. The primary driving factors behind this alarming projection are an aging population and lifestyle changes. The prevalence of vision loss, including conditions like cataract, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma, increases significantly with age, and as the number of people above 65 years old is predicted to rise, so will the prevalence of vision loss. At the same time, factors such as sedentary lifestyles, poor nutrition, obesity, myopia, and diabetes contribute to the escalating numbers of individuals with vision impairments. Women are projected to be disproportionately affected by vision loss compared to men, and low and middle income countries are expected to bear the brunt of the issue due to unequal access to eyecare. The troubling reality is that vision loss both amplifies existing inequalities and is an outcome of inequality. As the world faces this impending crisis, urgent action is needed to ensure equal access to vision care for all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status. By addressing these challenges head-on, we can strive towards a future where preventable vision loss is minimized and no one is left behind in the quest for clear sight and visual well-being.