Each year about 45,000 Chinese lose their eyesight, while
another 1.35 million become lazy eyes, according to statistics from
the blindness prevention office of the State Health Ministry on
Sunday, the International Day of the Blind.
By July, China has reported 12 million people handicapped with
eye problems, including about 5 million blind people, said
Professor Wang Lihua, vice director with the blindness prevention
office in east China's Shandong Province.
Wang noted that pearl eye, glaucoma and cornea disease are
likely to lead to blindness. The hurt of ultra-violet to one's lens
was blamed for causing pearl eye. "People should reduce outdoor
activities under the burning sun or wear sunglasses."
Besides, Wang suggests diabetes patients have regular check-ups
for their eyes, children form good habit to read and write with
right postures and people keep certain distance from televisions
and computer screens.
Meanwhile, experts in southwest China's Sichuan Province are calling for enhancement
of awareness to help the blind. "Please stay away from the special
lane for blind pedestrians and volunteer them a hand when it is
necessary," said Yang Zhixiao, an official with the association of
the disabled in Chengdu, Sichuan's capital city.
(Xinhua News Agency October 15, 2006)