By Pacific Island Times News Staff
The Pacific Island region faces multiple public health challenges, including the increasing rates of mortality attributed to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
In a previously published interview with Dr. Frank Underwood, the Marshall Islands’ director of public health, it was revealed that NCDs, such as heart disease, hypertension, and obesity, account for 65-80 percent of most island nations in the Pacific.
Since climate change can worsen the burden of NCDs through displacement and poverty, public health ministries in the region are advised to mobilize through outreach programs involving medications and preventive campaigns.
However, in addition to NCDs, eye diseases are another major health threat among Pacific Island countries. Considering eye health can affect economic, social, and public health outcomes across populations, the prevalence of vision impairment in the region must be investigated and monitored. Continue reading to learn more about research findings on eye diseases in the Pacific and how these can be managed through increased awareness of eye care strategies.
A scoping review published in The Lancet Regional Health Western Pacific journal aimed to summarize the state of eye health and eye health services in 22 Pacific Island countries and territories, including Guam.
Researchers found that cataracts and uncorrected refractive errors are the leading causes of vision impairment in the region. While these eye conditions had cost-effective treatments, cases steadily rose throughout the years due to the lack of adequate service coverage.
In addition to cataracts and refractive errors, diabetic retinopathy was identified as another common eye disease, given the high prevalence of the noncommunicable disease diabetes in the Pacific Island region. Since vision loss from diabetic retinopathy is irreversible, the study also highlights the importance of accessible eye health services to prevent or delay disease progression.
Overall, the study highlights the importance of evidence-informed strategies that ensure effective screening, treatment, and disease management across Pacific Island countries. In this light, the following section outlines interventions that can help individuals, especially those at risk of and diagnosed with the aforementioned vision problems, improve their eye health and overall wellness.
Wearing prescription glasses is one of the most common strategies for managing vision impairment caused by refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
The rise of online eyewear retailers has been a positive development in increasing access to glasses in the region, as these retailers offer a wide selection of frame and lens options with competitive pricing to suit varying budgets and vision needs.
On the optical retailer LensCrafters, vision-impaired individuals can find quality frames from top brands like Ray-Ban, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Vogue Eyewear. LensCrafters accommodates different prescriptions by asking patients to enter their details on its website. It also provides a virtual try-on tool and customer support to assist with shopping online.
Individuals in the Pacific Island region can also manage their vision impairments by getting comprehensive eye exams that continuously monitor their condition to prevent its progression. These eye exams are also essential for early screening and detection of vision-threatening eye diseases like cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma.
Similar to eyewear, eye exams have become increasingly accessible in the region despite previous challenges in service coverage. The Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services has been making an effort to provide quality optometry services.
In partnership with the Department of Defense, the second Guam Innovative Readiness Training and Wellness Mission provided 529 optometry visits and education programs for managing and preventing diseases, including diabetes, which causes diabetic retinopathy.
Lastly, Pacific Islanders can invest in preventive eye care through lifestyle changes, starting with reducing screen time. Research shows that every hour spent in front of a screen can increase the risk of developing myopia or nearsightedness, a type of refractive error that affects near vision.
The risk increases significantly from 1 to 4 hours of screen time, reminding individuals to reduce their screen exposure and spend more time outdoors. Through these strategies, individuals can preserve their eyesight in the long term.
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