WHO > Health topics

Blindness

Blindness is the inability to see. The leading causes of chronic blindness include cataract, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, corneal opacities, diabetic retinopathy, trachoma, and eye conditions in children (e.g. caused by vitamin A deficiency). Age-related blindness is increasing throughout the world, as is blindness due to uncontrolled diabetes. On the other hand, blindness caused by infection is decreasing, as a result of public health action. Three-quarters of all blindness can be prevented or treated.

RELATED SITES

- Prevention of blindness and visual impairment

FACT SHEETS

- Magnitude and causes of visual impairment

PUBLICATIONS

- Publications: blindness

RELATED LINKS

- Combating vitamin A deficiency
- Chronic diseases

FEATURES

- Q&A: What are refractive errors?
- Face to face with chronic disease

- Ten facts about blindness and visual impairment