Eye Infections And Injuries Drive Surge In Corneal Blindness In India

Corneal blindness is rising sharply in India, with an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 new cases annually. This adds to the existing 12 lakh cases, making corneal blindness one of the major contributors to vision loss, accounting for 7.5 per cent of the total blindness burden in the country. A significant number of cases stem from preventable conditions like eye infections and injuries, particularly in rural regions where access to timely medical intervention is limited.

The shift in the causes of corneal blindness has been noted in recent years. While infections such as keratitis remain prevalent, there is now an increasing number of cases due to eye trauma and injuries. "Keratitis can start with mild symptoms like redness or irritation and, if untreated, progress to severe corneal scarring or opacity, causing partial or total vision loss," said Dr. Smit Bavaria, Cataract Surgeon at Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, Mumbai. Early diagnosis and intervention are critical, particularly for infections or injuries that have not yet caused deep corneal damage. However, in underserved regions, delayed treatment often results in irreversible blindness.

Dr. Preethi Naveen, Senior Cornea and Refractive Surgeon, and Medical Director of Dr Agarwals Eye Bank, Chennai, added that infections, eye injuries in industrial and agricultural settings, and vitamin A deficiency are the leading contributors to India's high rate of corneal blindness. "Around 12 lakh people in India are affected, with rural populations being particularly vulnerable due to malnutrition and a lack of access to eye care services. Children and working-age adults are at the highest risk, especially in rural areas."

Despite advancements in diagnostic methods, such as anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and corneal topography, challenges persist in terms of accessibility to care. "While corneal transplantation is highly successful, the shortage of corneal donors remains a major barrier," said Dr. Sanjana Vatsa, Cornea and Refractive Surgeon at Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, Bengaluru. With only 25,000 to 30,000 corneas available annually, against a need of 200,000 transplants, the gap between demand and supply remains substantial.

Addressing corneal blindness in India requires a multi-pronged approach, focusing on eye health education, improving access to care, and promoting corneal donation. Dr. Vatsa emphasised the importance of raising awareness about the benefits of regular eye exams and the need for early intervention, especially in rural areas, to prevent further loss of vision.