Outlines

Definition
Classifications
Types of blindness
Epidemiology
Causes
Risks factors
Clinical Manifestation
Diagnosis
Treatment
Complications
Prevention
Health education
Definition
:Blindness
defines blindness as visual acuity of less than )WHO (
3/60 (snellen) or it equivalent
is the complete or almost complete absence of
.the sense of sight

I.e. “Inability to count fingers in day light at a distance

of 3 meters” (To indicate less than 3/60 or its
equivalent
 Classification
:Classify blindness based on

Degree of vision loss (total, severe, moderate, mild)-1

Cause (congenital, acquired, developmental, neurological)-2

Field of vision (tunnel vision, macular degeneration,-3

hemianopia)

Specific types (night blindness, color blindness,-4

achromatopsia)
Types of blindness
Partial blindness: You still have some vision. People often call this •
"."low vision
Complete blindness: You can't see or detect light. This condition is •
.very rare
Congenital blindness: This refers to poor vision that you are born •
with. The causes include inherited eye and retinal conditions and
.non-inherited birth defects
Legal blindness: This is when the central vision is 20/200 in your •
.best-seeing eye even when corrected with glass or contact lenses
Nutritional blindness: This term describes vision loss from vitamin •
.A deficiency
.Color Blindness: Difficulty distinguishing certain colors •
Night Blindness: Difficulty seeing in low-light conditions. Rod •
.Peripheral Vision Loss: Reduced ability to see objects on the side •
Acquired Blindness: Develops later in life due to injury, disease, or •
other factors
Epidemiology
Globally, 2.2 billion people have uncorrected near or •
distance vision impairment, of which at least 1
.billion are preventable or unaddressed
:Leading Causes •
Cataracts: Remain the leading cause of blindness-1 •
.globally, affecting 94 million people
Uncorrected refractive errors: Nearsightedness,-2 •
farsightedness, and astigmatism affect 88.4 million
,people
...Con

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): Affects-3

8 million people, primarily older adults

Glaucoma: Affects 7.7 million people-4

Diabetic retinopathy: A complication of diabetes,-5

affects 3.9 million people
 :categories of causes
:Congenital Causes-1
Genetic Conditions>
Intrauterine Infections>
:Prematurity and Low Birth Weight>
Congenital Malformations >
:Acquired Causes-2
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Cataracts
Glaucoma
Corneal Opacities
Infections
Injuries and Trauma
Nutritional Deficiencies
Toxic Substances
:Neurological Causes-3
:Brain Tumors
Stroke
 Risks factors
:Age
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
:Cataracts
:Glaucoma
Genetics
:Retinitis pigmentosa
Congenital anophthalmia
Health Conditions
DM
High blood pressure
:Nutritional Deficiencies
A lack of essential nutrients, particularly vitamin A
:Environmental and. Lifestyle Factors
Eye injuries
Excessive sun exposure
Signs and symptoms
These symptoms can vary depending on the
underlying cause and severity of vision impairment
.Blurry vision-1
.Eye pain-2
.Floaters and flashers-3
.Sensitivity to light (photophobia)-4
Sudden loss of vision, or the sudden appearance-5
of black spots in your vision
 Diagnosis
:Initial Assessment
. :Medical history
:Visual acuity test
:Slit-lamp examination
Ophthalmoscopy
Further Examinations
Visual field test
Tonometry
Electroretinography (ERG
Fluorescein angiography
 Treatment
:Considerations •
Treatment efficacy depends on the cause and> •
.severity of vision loss
Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for> •
.maximizing treatment success
The type of treatment available depends on your> •
condition
 Treatment
Medication: Anti-infective drugs treat some forms of •
.blindness caused by infections
Cataract surgery: Surgery can treat cataracts successfully •
.in most cases
Corneal transplant: A provider may be able to replace •
.your scarred cornea
Retinal surgery: A provider may be able to repair •
.damaged retinal tissue with surgery and/or a laser
:Vitamin supplements •
 Complications
Physical Complications
Increased risk of falls and injuries
:Musculoskeletal issues
:Nutritional deficiencies
Sleep disturbances
Digestive issues
Mental and Emotional
Depression and anxiety
Social isolation
 :some key ways to prevent blindness
:Individual Level -1
Early and routine eye examinations: Regular checkups can detect eye
problems like glaucoma or cataracts early, allowing for timely intervention
.and treatment
Managing chronic diseases: Controlling conditions like diabetes and
hypertension can significantly reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy and
.other vision-threatening complications
Adopting healthy lifestyle practices: A balanced diet rich in fruits,
,vegetables, and essential vitamins, maintaining a healthy weight
Protective eyewear: Wearing sunglasses that block UV rays helps prevent
.age-related macular degeneration and other sun-related eye damage
Safe practices: Utilizing appropriate eye protection while playing sports,
.using tools, or working in hazardous environments
:Community and Public Health Level-2

Vaccination programs: Vaccinating children against measles and

rubella can prevent these viral infections from causing congenital
.blindness

Improved access to healthcare: Expanding access to affordable and

quality eye care services, particularly in underserved areas, ensures
.timely diagnosis and treatment for preventable blindness

Public awareness campaigns: Educating communities about the

importance of eye health, risk factors for blindness
Health education
Here are some key areas to focus on in blindness health
:education
:Awareness and Understanding
Causes and Types of Blindness—
Impact of Blindness—
Assistive Technologies and Resources—
:Promoting Eye Health
:Importance of Regular Eye Exams—
:Healthy Lifestyle Habits—
Managing Existing Conditions—