The new finding published in Lancet has pointed out two factors responsible for the change: the lack of funding and a growing ageing population.

Globally, South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa witnesses the maximum cases related to blindness.

Following the analysis of data from 188 countries, the researchers have concluded that almost 200 million suffers from moderate to severe vision impairment.

The figure is expected to touch 550 million in the next three decades.

According to Professor Prof Rupert Bourne, lead author of the research paper, even mild vision impairment can cause serious damage to a person's life.

The Anglia Ruskin University professor said, "Even mild visual impairment can significantly impact a person's life. For example, reducing their independence... as it often means people are barred from driving."

The researchers have also urged for better funding and investments for improved treatment.

"Interventions provide some of the largest returns on investment," Bourne said. "They are some of the most easily implemented interventions in developing regions."

Explaining the positives, the professor said, "They are cheap, require little infrastructure and countries recover their costs as people enter back into the workforce."

Historically visual impairment has seen a growth in economies that have little or no growth.

While Europe registers a minimal percentage of visual impairment cases, countries in South Asia, East Asia and sub-Saharan region witnesses the maximum patients.

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