Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part B (2024)

Background: Low vision is a significant public health issue in India, affecting millions of individuals and impacting their quality of life and socio-economic status. The high prevalence of low vision is driven by various socio-economic, environmental, and healthcare-related factors, making it crucial to understand the underlying causes to address this challenge effectively.

Methodology: This narrative review systematically explores the primary causes of low vision in India by synthesizing data from studies and reports. Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search of relevant databases was conducted to identify studies focusing on the Indian population. After removing duplicates, records were screened, and 25 studies were included based on criteria such as study design and relevance. The included studies comprised cross-sectional studies, cohort studies, case-control studies, and prevalence surveys, providing a broad perspective on the issue.

Results: The review identifies several major causes of low vision in India:

Cataracts: The leading cause of low vision, prevalent due to aging, nutritional deficiencies, and limited access to surgical care.

Glaucoma: A significant cause of irreversible blindness, often undiagnosed until advanced stages due to a lack of awareness and education.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Increasingly recognized among the elderly, with limited access to advanced treatments.

Diabetic Retinopathy: Rising with the prevalence of diabetes, compounded by inadequate early detection and management.

Retinal Diseases: Including conditions like retinal detachment, which require timely surgical intervention.

Childhood Blindness: Driven by preventable causes such as congenital cataracts and vitamin A deficiency.

Socio-economic and environmental factors, including disparities in healthcare access, nutritional deficiencies, and gaps in public awareness, also contribute to the prevalence of low vision.

Conclusion: Addressing the complex issue of low vision in India necessitates a comprehensive approach. Key strategies include enhancing healthcare infrastructure, improving screening and early detection programs, increasing public awareness, and addressing nutritional deficiencies. Implementing these recommendations can help reduce the burden of low vision and improve the quality of life for affected individuals in India.