A new nationwide survey found that more than eight in 10 Malaysians were either unfamiliar with, or unsure about, retinal conditions such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular oedema, both of which can lead to vision loss if left untreated.
The findings are part of the “Don’t Wait to See” campaign – launched earlier this month by the College of Ophthalmologists, Academy of Medicine Malaysia, Diabetes Malaysia and Bayer Malaysia – to encourage earlier detection and regular eye checks, particularly among older adults and people living with diabetes.
One of the clearest concerns highlighted by the survey was how easily people dismiss early symptoms.
Asked what they would think if straight lines suddenly appeared wavy or distorted, nearly half of respondents assumed it was simply due to eye strain or ageing. Only a small number recognised it as a possible medical condition.
The survey also suggested that many people associate urgency with pain. More than 80% said they would wait weeks, months or even indefinitely before seeking medical attention if a change in vision was not physically painful.
But consultant ophthalmologist and medical retina specialist Dr Rajasudha Sawri Rajan said retinal diseases often develop silently in the early stages.
“Conditions such as diabetic macular oedema and wet age-related macular degeneration may develop without pain, which is why changes in central vision should not be dismissed,” she said.
“If straight lines appear wavy or distorted, or if vision changes suddenly, it is important to seek timely specialist assessment.”
The issue is especially relevant for people with diabetes. According to the survey, awareness of diabetic macular oedema remained low even among respondents who had diabetes or were unsure of their diabetes status.
Eye examinations also ranked last among health screening priorities, behind checks for blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.
Consultant ophthalmologist and medical retina specialist Dr Tara George said eye care is still too often treated separately from diabetes management.
“For people living with diabetes, eye care needs to be part of routine disease management, not something addressed only when vision has already changed,” she stressed.
She added that treatment options for retinal conditions have improved significantly in recent years, making early detection even more important.
“Today, we have effective therapies that can help stabilise vision and, in some cases, support meaningful improvement when patients present early,” she said.
The survey also highlighted how closely vision is tied to daily independence. About 90% of respondents said maintaining good eyesight was important for ageing independently, while many cited fears about losing the ability to drive, read, use a smartphone or continue working.
Dr Mohazmi Mohamed, honorary general secretary of Diabetes Malaysia and a primary care specialist, said eye health should become part of routine conversations around long-term diabetes care.
“Diabetes care is often focused on blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol, but eye health needs to be part of the same conversation,” he noted.
The survey further pointed to practical barriers preventing people from staying consistent with treatment and follow-up appointments. Cost was the most commonly cited concern, followed by long waiting times and difficulties scheduling appointments.
Many respondents also said frequent treatment visits disrupted their daily routines.
For Mohazmi, improving awareness alone is not enough. “For many people living with diabetes, staying consistent with care is not simply about willingness,” he said.
“Cost, waiting time, appointment availability and the burden of managing multiple health needs can all affect follow-through.”
Ultimately, doctors involved in the campaign hope more Malaysians will stop treating vision changes as something to ignore or simply “live with”.
The message, they say, is straightforward: when it comes to eyesight, waiting too long can make a significant difference.