Glasses Improve Income, Not Just Eyesight

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses a study that found providing free reading glasses to older workers in Bangladesh led to a 33% increase in their income compared to those who did not receive glasses. It highlights the issue of lack of access to corrective eyewear in the developing world and how uncorrected presbyopia (age-related vision decline) can negatively impact people's ability to work and support their families.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Glasses Improve Income, Not Just Eyesight

1. What was the key finding of the study conducted in Bangladesh?

• The study found that when older workers in Bangladesh were given free reading glasses, they earned 33% more than those who had not received the glasses.

2. What are the main issues related to lack of access to corrective eyewear in the developing world?

• The lack of access to corrective eyewear inhibits learning among young students
• It increases the likelihood of traffic accidents
• It forces millions of middle-age factory workers and farmers to leave the workforce too early

3. How does uncorrected presbyopia impact people's ability to support their families?

• Uncorrected presbyopia makes it harder for breadwinners to support their families, as it becomes more difficult for them to perform their jobs that require intense attention to detail.

[02] Presbyopia and Its Impact

1. What is presbyopia and how does it occur?

• Presbyopia is the age-related decline in vision that makes it progressively more difficult to see fine print and tiny objects.
• It occurs when the eye becomes increasingly rigid, making it harder to focus on nearby objects.

2. Who does presbyopia affect and how common is it?

• Presbyopia affects everyone as they age, and eventually everyone gets the condition.
• However, in the developing world, reading glasses to correct presbyopia are a luxury that many cannot afford.

3. How did the study in Bangladesh address the issue of presbyopia?

• The study in Bangladesh provided free reading glasses to a group of 35-65 year old workers, including tea pickers, weavers and seamstresses.
• The group that received the free glasses experienced a 33% increase in their monthly income compared to the group that did not receive glasses.