The Third World in the Digital Era: Barriers, Advances, and Myths in Visual Health

As an expert in visual health, I face a series of questions and emotions when it comes to the relationship between the Third World and the digital era. My clients often ask me if we collect used glasses to donate them to developing countries. This topic leads me to reflect on the causes of blindness, such as cataracts, which affect one part of the world while they are no longer considered a threat in another thanks to the tireless efforts of ophthalmologists and optometrists, as well as early screening barriers.

However, as the digital era expands, I face an emotional challenge when trying to define the Third World in geographical and conceptual terms. Sometimes, I encounter misconceptions from patients in developed countries who think that correcting their refractive error with glasses can lead to a progressive worsening of their vision. These ideas make me reflect on how the digital era and global accessibility are redefining the limits of what we used to consider the Third World. It is no longer simply about geographically limited regions with limited and basic access to healthcare, but it seems to expand in all directions, as here we have a barrier that prevents the proper treatment of treatable eye conditions, created by the person themselves rather than the economic and social conditions of their country.

These reflections drive me to continue researching and educating about the importance of ophthalmic and optometric care in all parts of the world, regardless of their geographical location or level of development. It is crucial to debunk myths and provide accurate information about the benefits of correcting refractive errors and the positive impact that donations of glasses can have on disadvantaged communities. Visual health should not be an exclusive privilege of a few, but a fundamental right that everyone should have access to in the globalized digital era we live in.

Visual health is a fundamental aspect of people's quality of life, but unfortunately, in some parts of the Third World, access to adequate ophthalmic services is limited. This can lead to eye conditions such as cataracts, which still pose a threat to vision in these communities. However, in other parts of the world, thanks to medical advancements and the availability of healthcare, cataracts are considered treatable. Additionally, in the digital era, new challenges and opportunities arise in addressing visual health worldwide. In this article, we will explore these aspects and debunk some common myths related to the use of glasses and access to ophthalmic care.

Barriers in accessing visual health in the Third World:

In many regions of the Third World, the lack of access to specialized ophthalmic services is a concerning reality. The absence of ophthalmologists and specialized cataract surgeons limits the ability to effectively treat eye conditions that could lead to blindness. Furthermore, the lack of awareness about the importance of early detection and proper treatment further exacerbates this situation.

Advancements in cataract treatment:

In contrast to areas where access to ophthalmic care is limited, in other parts of the world, ophthalmologists and visual health professionals have made great strides in cataract treatment. Thanks to modern cataract surgery and efforts in early detection, blindness caused by this condition has significantly decreased. It is essential to highlight these advancements and promote awareness about the importance of proper ophthalmic care.

Myths about the use of glasses and worsening vision:

One of the most common myths is that wearing glasses can progressively worsen one's vision. It is important to clarify that refractive errors, such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, are conditions that affect how the eye focuses light. Glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery are safe and effective methods to correct these refractive errors. Wearing glasses does not make the eye demand more diopters; on the contrary, it provides appropriate visual correction and improves people's quality of life.

The impact of glasses donations in the Third World:

Although the lack of access to ophthalmic care remains a challenge in the Third World, donations of glasses collected in developed countries can make a significant difference. These donations provide basic visual correction to people who would otherwise not have access to it. It is important to encourage and support initiatives that promote the delivery of glasses and ophthalmic services in communities.

In summary, in the globalized digital era, there is a need to redefine the limits of the Third World and ensure access to visual health as a fundamental right for everyone. It is essential to address the barriers to visual health in the Third World, highlight advancements in treatment, debunk myths surrounding the use of glasses, and promote initiatives that provide glasses and ophthalmic services to underserved communities. By doing so, we can work towards a world where visual health is accessible to all, regardless of their location or level of development.

Dr. Zeyad Zaben

Optometrist, Spain