BLINDNESS MAY CAUSE PREMATURE DEATH

About 180 million people in the world are disabled . Out of these 45 million are blind . This is an amazing fact that about 80% of blindness is preventable . Blindness not only reduces economic and social status but may also cause premature death .

                                               

MAJOR CAUSES OF BLINDNESS

These are cataract (19 million ) , glaucoma (6.4 million ) ,trachoma (5.6 million ) and childhood blindness ( 1.5 million ) .
Xerophthamia ( vitamin A deficiency ) is a common cause of blindness in children .
 

Refractive errors and diabetes are other major causes .

Accidents and injuries are common in all age groups but are most important in the young .

People working in factories , workshops and cottage industries are prone to eye injuries because of exposure to dust , airborne particles , flying objects , gases , fumes and radiations .

Doctors may develop premature cataracts due to exposure to  Xrays , UV rays and heat waves .

HOW TO PREVENT BLINDNESS

It is extremely important that eyesight of school going children should be assessed . They should be taught about the principles of good posture , proper lighting , avoidance of glare , proper distance and angle between books and eyes .  Use of readable type text in textbooks should be encouraged .
All the refractory errors should be corrected in time .
Cataract and glaucoma should be properly treated .
Eye injuries should be managed with care and caution .
Use of protective devices in occupations like welding to protect eyes .
Trachoma control programmes should be launched at the international level .
Vitamin A prophylaxis 200,00 IU are given orally at 6 monthly intervasl between the ages 1-6 years  , to control xerophthalmia .