Overview

Children’s eyes are very sensitive and are easily affected by infection and nutritional deficiencies. Childhood blindness is caused by a number of diseases and conditions – in low-income countries, Vitamin-A deficiencies, cataracts from rubella, corneal scarring from measles, strabismus, and retinopathy of prematurity from premature birth. Prevention and treatment depends on the cause of blindness and can range from public health campaigns providing Vitamin-A supplements to surgery. SEE holds many pediatric-specific expeditions throughout the year, generally once a month.

CAUSES

Some of the leading causes of childhood blindness include:

• Cataracts from rubella
• Corneal scarring from measles, Vitamin-A deficiencies, or traditional medicines
• Strabismus
• Retinopathy of prematurity from premature birth

PREVENTION

Preventing childhood blindness requires access to prenatal care, primary health care, and good nutrition, which is not often available in developing countries, especially rural areas.

SEE International & Childhood Blindness Around the World

Treating Childhood Blindness is a priority for SEE International. Currently our focus is on cataracts, corneal blindness, and strabismus.

SEE is working diligently to reduce the number of childhood blindness around the world by:

• Performing pediatric surgery
• Teaching appropriate surgical techniques
• Training local eye care personnel in ophthalmology in rural and urban areas
• Strengthening local health care infrastructure

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