Some global aspects of blindness

Abstract

The number of blind in the world is not known, but estimates have been made based on the differing definitions of blindness used by various authorities -a fact that complicates the analysis of available data. There are also possible sources of error, such as unreliable population figures and a frequent lack of data from rural areas. 'Blindness' has varying meanings and consequences from the medical, social and economic points of view: the term usually connotes a severe loss of vision resulting in visual disability, constituting a considerable handicap in the daily life of the community.

Outcome of penetrating keratoplasty in patients with bilateral corneal blindness

“…1 Corneal blindness, particularly bilateral is a major cause of visual handicap, particularly in third-world countries owing to a high incidence of corneal infection and ulceration.…”

“…1,2 In India, one million persons are estimated to be blind in both eyes with corneal disorders, and they add to the burden of stretched medical and financial resources. The outcome of a corneal graft performed in these patients depends upon a number of host and graft factors.…”

Free Radicals: Properties, Sources, Targets, and Their Implication in Various Diseases

“…It is the most common cause of the visual impairment affecting about 25 million people throughout the world, with the highest incidence occurring in developing countries [173,174]. It is characterized by opacity of the eye lens that reduces the amount of incoming light and results in visual impairment [173].…”

What is practical in glaucoma management?

“…1,2 Glaucoma thus constitutes the second most common cause of global blindness after cataract. More than 95% of those blind from glaucoma are from countries in the developing world, mostly in Asia and subSaharan Africa, because of a combination of their relative demographic weight, high prevalence of glaucoma, and poor access to health care.…”

“…More than 95% of those blind from glaucoma are from countries in the developing world, mostly in Asia and subSaharan Africa, because of a combination of their relative demographic weight, high prevalence of glaucoma, and poor access to health care. 1 Half of those with primary glaucoma have angle-closure. These cases are concentrated in East Asia and ethnic groups derived from this part of the world such as the Inuit.…”