A Family Doctor's Tale - BLINDNESS

DOC I AM BLIND

Blindness is the inability to see.

The degree of blindness depends on the extent of loss of vision.

The causes of blindness are:
1.cataract


2.glaucoma
Glaucoma is due to a build-up of pressure within the eye causing damage to the  optic nerve transmitting visual information from eye to the brain.

The damage is progressive with loss of peripheral vision  followed by reduction in central vision resulting in blindness.

3.Age-related macular degeneration
Age-related Macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative disorder affecting the macula at the back the eye.

4.Corneal opacities are often caused by infections or damage to the cornea


5.Retinal detachment
Retinal detachment occurs with ageing and myopia (nearsightedness) may cause the retina to be pulled and  detached.

6.Trachoma and other infections of the eye often cause loss of vision

7.Accidents (such as chemical burns,fireworks or sports injuries) affects the cornea of the eye


8.Vitamin A deficiency
Vitamin A deficiency leads to decreased production of a photosensitive pigment in the rods of the eye resulting in night blindness .


Three-quarters of all blindness can be prevented or treated.

Blindness is a lack of vision.
It may also refer to a loss of vision that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.

1.Partial blindness means that there is  very limited visual ability


2.Complete blindness means a total loss of visual or light perception .

3.People with a vision worse than 20/200 are usually legally blind.

Treatment of blindness:
1.Blindness due to some causes such as infection, Vitamin A deficiency or glaucoma can be prevented through early detection and appropriate treatment.

2.Although visual loss cannot be completely restored,  medical and surgical treatment can prevent the loss from further progress and  complete blindness.

3.Because many serious forms of visual loss are painless, any forms of vision loss will need to be detected early and treated to prevent blindness.

Prevention of blindness
1.Vitamin A deficiency cna be treated with Vitamin A to prevent scarring of the eye and the ensuing blindness

2.Diabetes must be well controlled and regular eye examinations are necessary to prevent retinopathy


3.Majority of eye injuries can be prevented by using safe physical activities and proper eye protection.


4.Ensure good lighting and install handrails along stairs to prevent falling especially among the elderly.

5.Sharp corners and edges of furniture may be padded or cushioned.

6.Protective eye glasses are used to prevent insecticides and corrosive liquids from entering the eyes


7.Children should avoid toys with sharp points, shafts, spikes, rods and sharp edges to prevent eye injuries.