Uncorrected refractive error in Aboriginal

Uncorrected refractive error is the most common cause of vision impairment, and the second leading cause of blindness in the world. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have high levels of untreated refractive error.

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What is uncorrected refractive error?

Refractive error happens when an eye is misshapen, preventing successful refraction. Uncorrected refractive error is when we don't do anything about it.

Refraction is when the eye bends light so that it can pass through the sections of your eye; the cornea, the lens, and eventually the retina. The retina is the thin, light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.

Image credit: National Keratoconus Foundation

In order to process what we see every day, the brain needs to receive messages from the retina, sent through the optic nerve. If your retina doesn't receive light-rays correctly, it won't be able to pass messages to the optic nerve and then to the brain for interpretation. 

If this happens, images can appear blurred or unclear, resulting in vision loss.

Uncorrected refractive error in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Almost two thirds of vision impairment is caused by uncorrected refractive error (National Eye Health Survey Report, 2017). For both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous Australians, this makes it the most common cause of vision impairment.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people often have greater barriers to treatment than their non-Indigenous counterparts. Factors like living in remote areas and having limited access to services can prevent people from getting the diagnosis and treatment they need.

As a result, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have lower treatment rates for refractive error (83%, compared with 94% for non-Indigenous).
 

How is refractive error treated?

There are a few simple solutions that are available to correct refractive error, including eyeglasses, contact lenses, or different kinds of surgery.

Eyeglasses (spectacles) are the most common and simple solution. An eye care professional can measure you for a pair of eyeglasses for effective correction.

Contact lenses are a less common, but still popular treatment for correcting refractive error. They work by placing an artificial lens on the film of tears covering the eye’s surface.

A contact lens is thin, curved and in most cases these days, soft and bendy. Like eyeglasses, you'll need to have your contact lenses fitted by a professional. Your optometrist will be able to give you lessons on safe, clean insertion of contact lenses. 

But remember, always seek out professional advice if you think you need contact lenses, as you won't be able to wear them with some eye conditions.

Corrective surgery is also necessary for some patients. Corrective surgery options include refractive (laser) surgery and intraocular lens (IOL) surgery.

Refractive surgery, of which there are many types, can be used to correct the vision of those with refractive error. Laser surgery is one type of refractive surgery.

Experts use specialised tools to measure the surface contour of your eye and then permanently reshape the cornea (front surface of the eye). They do this by vaporising the surface tissue into a new shape, restoring the eye’s ability to focus light rays directly on the retina.

Intraocular lens (IOL) replacement surgery is another kind of refractive surgery available. Surgeons remove the natural lens from the eye and replace it with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). IOLs are also used in cataract removal surgeries.

Read more about the types of refractive error, as well as the symptoms you should be aware of.