#Hashtag Hong Kong

Dr. Angie Fong - specialist in Ophthalmology, and Council Member of The Hong Kong Ophthalmological Society

Eye health is a crucial aspect of a person’s overall well-being, yet it is often overlooked until serious problems arise. In Hong Kong, approximately 3% of the population, or around 190,000 people, are visually impaired. This proportion rises significantly with age. For adults over 40, up to 15% experience visual disability in one eye, and about 5% suffer from disability in both eyes.

The leading cause of visual disability is cataract, followed by age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma. As degenerative diseases, their prevalence is expected to rise with Hong Kong's aging population. Consequently, the burden of care and the associated societal costs for the visually impaired will also increase. Cataracts, which cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy, can significantly affect one's quality of life by blurring vision and making daily activities challenging. Similarly, age-related macular degeneration leads to loss of central vision, making it difficult to read or recognize faces. Glaucoma, often known as the "silent thief of sight," can gradually cause peripheral visual loss with little warning, and is only detected at a very late stage when symptoms do arise. Therefore, early detection and timely management of these diseases are crucial before irreversible visual loss occurs.

Supporting initiatives that promote a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet rich in eye-protective nutrients, regular physical activity, and adequate protection against UV radiation, can help prevent or delay the onset of these conditions. Public awareness campaigns should educate the public to recognize the early signs of these degenerative diseases and to seek medical attention promptly when they occur.

Nowadays, advanced technologies have enabled smaller gauge surgeries for cataract and glaucoma with smaller wounds and faster recovery time. For age related macular degeneration there are more effective intravitreal medicines with longer duration of action. Improving accessibility to healthcare with the use of digital technologies such as telemedicine and artificial intelligence may help to reduce the overall societal impact of these diseases.

For the younger generation, one concerning trend is the epidemic rise in myopia, or short-sightedness. The intense academic environment and prolonged screen time, especially during COVID-19, have significantly contributed to this issue. Research indicates that around 80% of secondary school students in Hong Kong are myopic, and this number continues to grow. High myopia can lead to serious future eye problems like retinal detachments, macular problems, and glaucoma. These conditions not only affect vision but can also lead to more severe complications if left untreated. Regular eye screenings and incorporating sufficient outdoor time into school routines are essential steps to tackle this problem. Encouraging outdoor activities helps in reducing the progression of myopia, as natural light and the ability to focus on distant objects give the eyes much-needed relief.

The Hong Kong Ophthalmological Society was established to maintain and enhance the quality of eye care in Hong Kong, as well as to foster bonds between eye care professionals serving the public. We have just celebrated our 70th anniversary last year. Our motto, 攜手同心，共締光明, reflects our commitment to unity and improving vision. We address eye health challenges through various initiatives, including service through community outreach programs, public talks, and collaborations with schools and NGOs to promote eye health education. We play a pivotal role in advocating for better eye care policies and to raise public awareness about common eye conditions. Our community outreach efforts include free eye screening programs and interactive sessions with ophthalmologists to answer public queries.

We encourage everyone to take proactive steps in maintaining their eye health, like avoiding excessive screen time without breaks, reading in poor lighting or very near conditions.  Simple measures like taking a break by looking at distant objects every 20 minutes or so can help reduce eye strain. Having regular eye examinations and to seek timely attention by ophthalmologists when there are visual symptoms are also crucial to maintaining good eye health.

In closing, I would like to dedicate a song to our listeners: Jimmy Cliff’s version of "I Can See Clearly Now." I hope it resonates with you, conveying a message of vision and hope, and reminding us to care for our vision and cherish the beauty around us.