
Our eyes are our windows to the world, allowing us to experience the beauty and richness of life. Yet, we often take our vision for granted until something goes wrong. In the Philippines, vision loss and blindness are significant public health challenges. That's why it’s crucial to prioritize eye health and take proactive steps to protect our vision.
Vision Loss and Blindness in the Philippines
In the Philippines, the leading causes of vision loss and blindness are primarily errors of refraction and cataracts. An estimated 270,000 elderly Filipinos are affected by blindness. Cataracts are particularly prevalent, representing about 62% of all cases of bilateral blindness in the country.
Recognizing Early Signs of Common Eye Diseases

Early detection of eye diseases can make a significant difference in preventing vision loss. Common symptoms to watch for include blurry vision, double vision, and loss of side vision. Additionally, increased floaters, sudden vision loss, redness, swelling, or unusual bleeding from the eye can be warning signals of underlying conditions. Recognizing these early signs and seeking prompt medical attention can lead to better outcomes and potentially save one's sight.
Prevention of Eye Diseases
Preventing eye diseases involves adopting a proactive approach to eye care. Here are some key preventive measures:
Regular Eye Exams: Regularly schedule comprehensive dilated eye exams to detect potential issues early.
Eye Hygiene: Practice good eye hygiene by avoiding touching your eyes with dirty hands and keeping contact lenses clean.
Protective Eyewear: Wear protective eyewear when engaging in activities that could harm your eyes, such as sports or working with hazardous materials.
UV Protection: Use sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays to protect your eyes from harmful sun exposure.
Healthy Lifestyle: Avoid smoking, manage chronic diseases like diabetes, and maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine to reduce the risk of eye diseases.
If you’re a DA member, you can enjoy these perks to take care of your eyes:
Shinagawa Lasik & Aesthetics: Free eye consultation and comprehensive eye screening, plus a 50% special discount on LASIK, Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), and lens surgery
Ideal Vision Center: Free eye exams, consultations, and services like eyeglass repair, cleaning, soldering, and contact lens cleaning, plus discounts on frames, sunglasses, and finished lenses
Starfinder Optical: Free foldable amber leather case, microfiber cloth, eye consultation, nose pad replacement, repair, and cleaning, plus 20% off on a complete eyewear set purchase
Lifestyle Changes for Good Eye Health
Incorporating specific lifestyle changes can significantly enhance eye health. Here are some tips to help you keep your eyes in top shape:
Balanced Diet: Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C and E, zinc, and lutein. Leafy greens, fish, nuts, and citrus fruits are excellent choices.
Regular Exercise: Engage in physical activities to improve blood circulation to the eyes and reduce inflammation.
Stress Management: Manage stress through relaxation techniques like meditation and deep breathing to support overall eye health.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your eyes well-hydrated and reduce dryness.
Adequate Sleep: Ensure you get enough sleep to help your eyes recover and reduce strain.
Regular eye exams and early intervention are crucial in maintaining good eye health. If you or your loved ones need medical support and advice, our eye doctors on the Doctor Anywhere app are just a tap away.
General practitioners, family medicine doctors, and internal medicine doctors are available 24/7, on-demand, or by appointment. Use *promo code DACONSULT30 to save ₱30 on your first video consultation with a general practitioner.
We also offer a wide range of specialists, including ophthalmologists, who are available daily by appointment, even on weekends and holidays. Use ^promo code DAEXPERTCARE to save ₱30 on your first video consultation with a specialist.
Have an HMO or health insurance? Link your membership account for fully covered video consultations for you and your dependents. Doctor Anywhere’s accredited health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and insurance providers include COCOLIFE Healthcare, EastWest Healthcare, Etiqa, Flexicare, Fortune Life, Forticare, Generali, Health Maintenance, Inc. (HMI), Lacson & Lacson Insurance Brokers, Manulife HealthFlex, Manulife China Bank HealthFlex, Maxicare, Medicare Plus, and WellCare Health Maintenance. Tap here to learn more about Doctor Anywhere’s HMOs and insurance partners.
Use the Doctor Anywhere app to begin your video consultations, and conveniently purchase medications through the app after your consultation and have them delivered to your doorstep. Download the free Doctor Anywhere app now to access these services.
Make the most out of your doctor appointments! Here are a few reminders to keep in mind before your video consultations: https://dranywhr.ph/consultation-reminders
One-time use per account for the first video consultation. Valid for new Doctor Anywhere users who haven’t had a video consultation yet. *Promo runs from Jan. 1, 2025 - Dec. 31, 2025. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-192282 Series of 2024. ^Promo runs from May 1, 2024 - Apr. 30, 2025. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-192282 Series of 2024.
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