Regional guide

Eye health in Indonesia

Clinically reviewed · Last reviewed 2026-06-13

Everyday conditions most people search for

Most visits to optometrists and ophthalmologists in Indonesia relate to glasses, dry eye, conjunctivitis and cataracts. School screening and affordable spectacles programmes help children who struggle to see the board.

Short-sightedness and astigmatism in students and screen users
Cataracts in older adults — surgery is the effective treatment
Dry eye and allergic conjunctivitis in dusty or high-pollen areas
Contact lens infections where hygiene or water exposure is a risk

Silent diseases that need screening

Glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy often have no early symptoms. People with diabetes should attend retinal screening as advised nationally. Adults over 40 with a family history benefit from regular pressure checks.

WHO programmes still relevant in parts of Indonesia

Indonesia has eliminated trachoma as a public health problem in many provinces but maintains surveillance. Lymphatic filariasis mass drug administration continues in endemic districts. Vitamin A supplementation targets young children in at-risk areas.

When to seek urgent eye care

Do not wait for a routine appointment if you have sudden vision loss, eye trauma, chemical splash, severe pain with a red eye, or a curtain/shadow over vision. These are the same red flags as worldwide.

Related topics for this region

Lymphatic filariasis A mosquito-spread parasitic disease targeted by WHO; endemic in parts of Indonesia and tropical regions, with rare eye complications. Trachoma A leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide, spread by contact and flies; preventable with hygiene and WHO programmes. Vitamin A deficiency and the eye Lack of vitamin A dries the eye surface and is a leading preventable cause of childhood blindness worldwide. Cysticercosis and the eye Tapeworm larvae can lodge in the eye in endemic areas; causes vision loss if untreated — a WHO neglected tropical disease. Diabetic retinopathy Diabetes-related damage to retinal blood vessels; screening finds silent disease, and macular swelling (DME) needs targeted treatment. Glaucoma Optic nerve damage often linked to eye pressure; the common type is silent until side vision is lost — regular tests are essential. Cataracts Clouding of the lens with age causing blur and glare; surgery replaces the cloudy lens when daily life is affected. Mass drug administration How WHO community treatment programmes distribute medicines to prevent trachoma and river blindness — public health, not self-treatment. Global eye health Why WHO targets trachoma, river blindness and vitamin A deficiency — and how prevention saves sight worldwide. Routine eye exams How often to have your eyes checked, what happens at an exam, and when to see an optician versus an ophthalmologist.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most common cause of vision problems in Indonesia?

Uncorrected refractive error — needing glasses for short-sightedness, long-sightedness or astigmatism — is the leading cause of moderate vision impairment globally and in Indonesia.

Is trachoma still a problem in Indonesia?

WHO has validated elimination in much of the country, but hygiene, fly control and surveillance remain important in formerly endemic districts.

Where can I get diabetic eye screening in Indonesia?

Ask your diabetes clinic or primary care team about retinal photography screening. Early diabetic retinopathy has no symptoms but is treatable when found early.