Myopia Affects 30% Population In World: Experts

Myopia or near-sightedness has affected 30 per cent population in the world which may increase up to 50 per cent in 2050 if measures are not taken

FAISALABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th Apr, 2019 ) :Myopia or near-sightedness has affected 30 per cent population in the world which may increase up to 50 per cent in 2050 if measures are not taken.

This was stated by experts while addressing the concluding ceremony of a two-day international conference on 'Myopia in Pakistan' organised by ORIC, Department of Ophthalmology and School of Optometry, the University of Faisalabad (TUF) here on Saturday.

Prof Dr Javed Akram, the Vice Chancellor University of Health Sciences, attended the concluding ceremony as a chief guest while internationally renowned speakers Dr Agustine L Gonzalez, Director Eye & Vision USA, Dr Malcolm S Samuel, Medical Director Optimax UK, Maj Gen(R) Dr Mazhar Ishaq, Dean of Ophthalmology, College of Physician and Surgeons Pakistan, Prof Dr Qasim Lateef, Jinnah Hospital Lahore, Prof Dr Suhail Sarwar, Mayo Hospital Lahore, Dr Hashim Ali Khan, consultant Optometrist, Sehhat Foundation Gilgit, Dr Faisal Rasheed, Optometrist at SZMC Rahim Yar Khan, Dr Qasim Jalali, Head Department of Optometry, University of Lahore, Prof Dr Muhammad Saeed, Pro Rector TUF and Prof Dr Aamir Ali Chaudhary, Convener Conference Organizing Committee/Vice Principal UMDC delivered lectures.

The experts said that Myopia or shortsightedness had now become an alarming condition, especially with increasing rates in the youth.

They said that Myopia was a worldwide concern on its way to becoming an emergency. "Hence, it is our collective responsibility to create awareness about the causes of myopia and inform people about the latest treatment which are of utmost importance", they added.

More than 350 delegates from all over the country in addition to students from school of optometry participated in the event.