Prevention Of Blindness Week

A Reminder to Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices
and Routine Eye Check-ups
to Reduce the Risk of Eye-related Problems.

Ancient Indian scriptures refer to Pancha Indira (Five sense organs), which contribute to different senses. The eyes connect one to the world visually; one tends to understand the world through visual perception. Blindness and vision impairment can significantly affect a person’s quality of life, limiting their independence and ability to perform daily tasks. The Prevention of Blindness Week (April 1–7) was established by India in collaboration with the WHO and other health organisations. Globally, at least 220 crore people have near or distant vision impairment. Half of them could have been prevented. With ~27.5 crore individuals experiencing some form of vision loss, India has the highest number of visually impaired population. Eye donation is a noble act that allows individuals to restore vision for those with corneal blindness. Sri Lanka is known for having the world’s highest number of eye donors. India sees ~25-30 thousand eye donations annually, but the demand far exceeds the supply. Studies suggest that increased screen time, especially among children, has led to a rise in myopia (near-sightedness), which can progress to severe vision impairment if left unmanaged. Observation of “Prevention of Blindness Week” reminds everyone to have the vision to take care of visionary organs.

Blindness is an unfortunate handicap, but true vision does not require eyes.
Helen Keller

Ancient Indian scriptures refer to Pancha Indira (Five sense organs), eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and skin, each of which contributes to different senses. These are considered Jnana Indriyas (knowledge-acquiring organs), as they allow the mind to gather information about the surroundings and through which one perceives the external world. It is difficult to say which of these Indriyas are precious. The eyes connect one to the world visually; one tends to understand the world through visual perception. Blindness and vision impairment can significantly affect a person’s quality of life, limiting their independence and ability to perform daily tasks. The good part is that many cases of blindness are preventable with timely medical care, proper hygiene, and lifestyle adjustments. 

Your eyes are your window to the world – do not wait for the curtains to close.

The Prevention of Blindness Week (April 1–7) was established by the Government of India in collaboration with the WHO and various national health organisations. The observation aims to educate the public about the causes of blindness, its prevention, and the available treatment options. It is also an occasion to remind people about the struggles and achievements of people who are blind and promote their inclusion in society. This program is one of India’s oldest and most successful public health initiatives. The reason for choosing this specific week, April 1 to 7, could be primarily administrative and strategic rather than symbolic.   

People of all ages are impacted by vision impairment, which is more prevalent among people above fifty. Globally, at least 220 crore people have near or distant vision impairment. Out of these, at least 100 crore cases could have been prevented or are yet to be addressed. Each year, an estimated 50-60 thousand children are born blind or become blind within their first year of life. With ~27.5 crore individuals experiencing some form of vision loss, India has the highest number of visually impaired population. Almost one crore are entirely blind. China follows closely behind with around 27.4 crore visually impaired individuals. India and China account for nearly 49% of the global burden of vision impairment.  

Eye Donation: Giving the Gift of Sight

Eye donation is a noble act that allows individuals to restore vision for those with corneal blindness. The cornea, the transparent front part of the eye, can be transplanted from a donor to a recipient, helping them regain sight. Individuals can impact someone’s life even after their passing by pledging to donate eyes. Sri Lanka is known for having the world’s highest number of eye donors (>10 lakh registered donors). India sees approximately 25-30 thousand eye donations annually, but the demand far exceeds the supply.  

Ancient scriptures did not treat blindness merely as a physical ailment but gave it deep symbolic significance – as a metaphor for ignorance. Recall that King Dhritarashtra, born blind, symbolised moral and spiritual blindness. Ayurveda, especially the Sushruta Samhita, includes detailed descriptions of eye diseases, including cataracts, glaucoma, and night blindness.

The Gift of Sight is Precious
– Protect it Before It is Out of Sight.

Studies suggest that increased screen time, especially among children, has led to a rise in myopia (near-sightedness), which can progress to severe vision impairment if left unmanaged.

You get up in the morning and look around, and you can see. Please do not take it for granted. Many are not blessed with this. Unless you take care of your eyes and adopt healthy practices, you may not have them one day. Observation of “Prevention of Blindness Week” reminds everyone to have the vision to take care of visionary organs.

The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.
 Helen Keller

Toon: Reema  
Log: M Sai Baba
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