Cataracts, eye injuries, glaucoma and diseases like diabetes and hypertension can lead to blindness, said Union Minister of Health Professor Dr Thet Khaing Win in the “World Sight Day 2025” ceremony held at the Ministry of Health Office No. 4 Conference Hall in Nay Pyi Taw on October 10.

The Union Minister noted that according to the World Health Organization’s estimate, about one billion people in the world suffer from vision impairment, 90 percent of which are in developing countries. 80 percent of vision impairment is preventable and treatable. In Myanmar, the following diseases can cause blindness: cataracts, eye injuries, glaucoma, diabetes and hypertension. The World Health Organization had declared the elimination of trachoma in Myanmar in September 2020.

In addition, although infectious eye diseases such as trachoma have decreased, the prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases are being promoted to prevent the development of secondary eye problems caused by diabetes and hypertension. In addition, eye health screening is being included in school health programs for children's eye health. In order to reduce cataract, the most common eye disease in Myanmar, cataract surgery is being performed not only in hospitals but also as an outreach cataract surgery, he said.

The theme of this year's World Sight Day is "Love Your Eyes" and "Share knowledge to improve vision and focus on eye health." By sharing experiences to gain knowledge about eye health, each person should prioritize their vision and value it, and regular eye examinations and diagnosis should be carried out, and eye health care services should be made accessible to everyone, said the Union Minister.

The Union Minister and his team then toured the small memorial gallery and observed the implementation of the eye health care and glasses distribution program.

The ceremony was attended by Union Minister for Health, Professor Dr Thet Khaing Win, officials from the ministry, and representatives from partner organizations.