We know that in developed countries, near-sightedness causes an increased risk of vision loss later in life due to macular degeneration, glaucoma, and vitreoretinal degenerations. Fast-growing economies, such as those in South East Asia, are experiencing rapid lifestyle changes that are making near-sightedness more common in young people. However, we don’t know how this emerging near-sightedness will alter risks of vision loss in these countries.Â
Our collaboration between UNSW, the Vietnam National Eye Hospital, Hanoi Medical University, and the Brien Holden Vision Institute quantified early signs of near-sighted risks in Vietnamese people. The cross-sectional study examined consecutive patients with large amounts of near-sightedness attending the Vietnam National Eye Hospital. Â
We demonstrated that optic nerve and vitreoretinal complications of near-sightedness are common in younger Vietnamese people. The results will help the Vietnamese eyecare system to prepare for emerging challenges.Â
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