Looking beyond poor vision.
Across the globe, over 2.2 billion people have vision impairment. According to a 2024 UMMC study, in Malaysia, the prevalence of bilateral blindness (loss of vision in both eyes) is estimated to be around 2% across all ages. Where these numbers are staggering, World Sight Day, observed yearly in October, is more than just a calendar event. It is a call to action empowering Malaysians to be more proactive.
There are a few eye conditions that are easily preventable or treatable by our healthcare specialists.
INSTILL AWARENESS, IMPROVE VISION
You may remember Andrea Bocelli, the world-renowned tenor who lost his sight at 12 but went on to inspire millions. Closer to home, Dr. Nor Fariza Ngah, a Malaysian ophthalmologist, has been a major advocate for regular eye screenings. The #LoveYourEyes global campaign reminds us that your eyes deserve your attention. In Malaysia, about one in three adults over 50 have some form of vision loss.
Eye Conditions, Preventable Challenges
Half of these cases could have been prevented, but a main contributor has been a lack of awareness. Among children, myopia (short-sightedness) is fast rising due to increased screen use and reduced outdoor play. There are many eye conditions that are easily preventable or treatable by healthcare specialists. Where Malaysians are concerned, some of the more popular causes of vision loss include:
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- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Age-related macular degeneration
Common Symptoms and Risk Factors
Symptoms like blurry vision, double vision, eye pain, and sudden floaters shouldn’t be ignored. Rural dwellers are especially at risk due to limited access to quality care. Meanwhile, our daily habits could be hurting our eyes more than we think. Lifestyle, the absence of sunglasses, high UV exposure, our environment, and poor diet vastly affect our eye health. Here are some major causes and risk factors:
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- Smoking: Yes, it increases your risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
- Neglected eye check-ups: Many think vision issues are part of aging. That’s not always true.
- Uncontrolled diabetes: Quite common in Malaysia, it is a leading cause of diabetic retinopathy.
- Extended screen time: From zoom meetings to TikTok, long hours on digital devices strain the eyes.
Many eye diseases show no symptoms during the early stages, making early screening highly crucial
PMC: Diagnoses and Treatments
Certain eye diseases show no symptoms in the early stages. That’s why early screening is necessary. At Putra Medical Centre, our specialist eye clinic offers advanced diagnostics and key treatments. You are in trusted hands because our procedures are supported by trained staff and premium equipment.
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- Diabetic eye screening – Helps detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy before vision loss occurs
- Cataract assessment – Evaluates clouding of the lens that may be affecting your vision and daily life
- Glaucoma screening – Measures eye pressure and optic nerve health to detect this “silent thief of sight”
- Vision tests and refraction – To determine clarity of sight and check for near-sightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism
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Fundus photography – Captures detailed images of the back of your eye to monitor for retinal or optic nerve disorders
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BOOK AN EYE SCREENING TODAY
“Regular eye checks aren’t just for those with glasses but everyone. The earlier we detect issues, the better our ability to preserve your eyesight,” shares a PMC resident consultant ophthalmologist. Book an eye screening not just for yourself. Schedule a consultation for your parents, kids, and loved ones.
Losing sight isn’t just physical. It changes how you live, connect, and feel. People with vision loss may face isolation, anxiety, or even job loss. Seniors could lose their independence. Children may struggle in school. Start seeing your eye health as important—not optional. We are here for you at every turn.
