These cases of preventable blindness are particularly tragic because they could easily be treated: by the timely administration of medication, by small routine operations, by prevention and education. However, many people still do not have access to treatment, medication or doctors.

Cataract
(clouding of the lens)
Cataracts are the world’s most common cause of blindness, and are responsible for the loss of vision in 20 million people. This clouding of the lens may occur due to age or to an eye injury. Cataracts can be cured by replacing the cloudy lens by an artifi cial one in a 15-minute operation.

Uncorrected refractive errors
About 106 million people are visually impaired due to uncorrected refractive errors. In most cases, normal vision can be restored with eyeglasses. In Uganda LIGHT FOR THE WORLD together with the Brian Holden Vision Institute has successfully initiated a National Programme giving poor people access to high quality tailormade spectacles.

Childhood blindness
About 1.4 million children are blind, 70 % in Asia 20 % in Africa. 12 million children are visually impaired due to uncorrected refractive errors. We support their early detection, treatment, therapy and rehabilitation.

River blindness (onchocerciasis)
River blindness is a parasitic disease. The pathogens migrate through the body to the eyes, where they cause infl ammation and bleeding that ultimately leads to blindness. River blindness is on the retreat worldwide thanks to the widespread distribution of the drug Mectizan.

Glaucoma
Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness. Although it is not completely curable, glaucoma can be treated with medication and alleviated by a small operation.