More than 60% of blindness is caused by cataracts.

The information was given by Dr. Vuong Anh Duong, Deputy Director of the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Management (Ministry of Health) at the establishment event of the Vietnam - Russia International Eye Hospital in Hai Phong, on December 7.

According to Mr. Duong, in recent years, with the participation of the private health sector, the ophthalmology sector has made many advances, and many modern treatment methods and techniques in the world have been applied in Vietnam. Thanks to that, eye diseases have also been better cared for and managed, and the rate of blindness in the country has also decreased significantly.

Dr. Vuong Anh Duong, Deputy Director of the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Management (Ministry of Health) shared at the event. (Photo: TD)

Diseases such as cataracts (accounting for more than 60%, often found in people over 50 years old), refractive errors (accounting for 20-40%, often found in school-age groups), retinal diseases (commonly found in premature babies), chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure are the main causes of blindness.

Recent statistics show that the rate of blindness in Vietnam is about 1 to 1.2% of the population, creating a burden for the patient and their family.

“Delayed detection, subjectivity, and ignoring the early signs of the disease are the main reasons why the treatment process becomes complicated or irreversible. Therefore, investing in building high-quality facilities for ophthalmology care is necessary. This also contributes to achieving the goal of the National Strategy for Blindness Prevention, which is to reduce the rate of blindness to below 4.5 people/1,000 people,” Mr. Duong emphasized.

According to Mr. Duong Chi Kien, leader of the Vietnam - Russia medical group, the construction of an additional ophthalmology health care facility marks an important step forward in providing high-quality eye care services to the people.

When it comes into operation, the hospital will meet the increasing demand for medical examination and treatment, and together with the community, create wonderful journeys in life starting with healthy, bright eyes. “We provide full examination and treatment services for ophthalmological diseases for children, adults and the elderly,” said Mr. Kien.

An expert from the Russian Federation examines a patient's eyes. (Photo: TD)

Mr. Bezdetko Gennady Stepanovich - Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Vietnam, said that this event is a testament to the successful coordination of actions between the two countries in the field of health and has made a great contribution to strengthening the traditional friendship, cooperation and comprehensive strategic partnership between the Russian Federation and Vietnam.

“I hope that highly qualified Russian specialists will work with their Vietnamese colleagues to develop high-quality techniques and perform complex surgeries to restore better vision not only to the city's residents but also to people in neighboring provinces,” said Mr. Bezdetko Gennady Stepanovich.

Nhu Loan

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/hon-60-nguyen-nhan-gay-mu-loa-do-duc-thuy-tinh-the-ar912076.html