Addressing corneal blindness in the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines  — Corneal blindness is one of the top four causes of blindness in the world. The situation in the Philippines is no different.

Dr. Noel Castillo writes in his article that the number of cornea blind Filipinos is probably half a million. And unlike cataract patients, where mostly people in their 60s or 70s are affected, corneal blindness usually affect patients in their 20s and 30s.

The epidemiology of corneal blindness is complicated and encompasses a wide variety of infectious and inflammatory eye diseases that cause corneal scarring, WHO said. This form of blindness may be caused by infections, accidents, congenital defects, surgical trauma and many others.

Unlike the usual eye infections, corneal infections are usually accompanied by more intense red eyes and eye pain,  blurred vision, or light sensitivity. 

For the past two decades, The Eye Bank Foundation of the Philippines has been committed to its mission of bringing the gift of sight to blind individuals through corneal transplants, regardless of age, gender, race, religion or financial status.

On the occasion of the Foundation’s 20th anniversary, a campaign to increase the corneal donations that to maintain a healthy supply of corneas that can be utilized for the gift of sight is being pushed. Equally important is the awareness amongst the relatives of those who have passed that their loved ones can make a difference in other people’s lives simply by agreeing to donate their corneas.

Once the first sign of possible corneal infection is seen, it is best advised to go see your eye doctor.