Visual impairment and blindness continue to be major global health challenges in 2026. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), at least 2.2 billion people worldwide currently live with vision impairment or blindness, and nearly half of these cases could have been prevented or remain unaddressed. The leading causes include uncorrected refractive errors, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, corneal diseases, and age-related macular degeneration.

 

The increasing global population, aging demographics, and lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes have contributed significantly to the rising burden of visual impairment. This situation underscores the urgent need for sustained and coordinated efforts in prevention, early detection, effective management, and vision rehabilitation. With advances in science, technology, and medical education, approximately 80% of visual impairment remains preventable or treatable when appropriate measures are implemented.