Cataracts. The lens of the eye becomes cloudy and stops light from entering. This condition affects around 20 million people. Cataracts can be removed by a simple operation and sight restored with the help of glasses. Cost of operation: £10/$16.
Trachoma. This disease eventually makes the eyelashes turn inwards so that they scratch the eyeball until sight is lost. Antibiotics can treat the problem early on, but an operation is needed to stop inturning eyelashes. Up to nine million people suffer from trachoma. Cost of antibiotic treatment: 50p/80 cents.
River Blindness. This disease, spread by the bite of a fly, blinds young adults. Once the eye has been damaged it is irreversible. Annual distribution of invermectin tablets can prevent the blinding effects of this disease. One million have gone blind and a further 20-30 million are infected or at risk.
Glaucoma. The loss of vision caused by increased pressure inside the eye. Up to three million people have been blinded in this way. It is irreversible and early detection is essential to pevent blindness.
These are just four causes of blindness which can be prevented or cured before the sufferer goes blind. And the costs involved in each case are very small. Sight Savers International helps suffers all over the world to avoid unnecessary blindness. You can help them.
£15 protects 15 people against river blindness.
£30 restores sight to three blind people.
£70 runs a school sight testing and community eye health programme for two weeks.
He wanted to earn a living and eventually was helped to set up a small motor parts and fuel garage. He was given a loan which he has since repaid and his business is doing so well that he has had to take on an assistant. Now he's looking for a wife.
(Adapted from Horizon, publication of Sight Savers International).
Patients seen
|
3,233,000
|
Treatments
|
1.928,000
|
Cataract surgeries
|
141,500
|
River Blindness protection
|
3,856,000
|
Doctors trained in new techniques
|
364
|
Rural eye workers trained
|
6,420
|
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Post to: Sight Savers International, Bolnore Road, Haywards Heath,
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DISCLAIMER: This page has been created by me with the knowledge and approval of Sight Savers International. However, Sight Savers International are not responsible for the contents of this page.