Blindness

What is blindness?

Blindness is the inability to see anything, including light. Some people may have partial blindness, which means they can see some shapes, shadows, or have cloudy vision but cannot see clearly. Others may have night blindness, making it hard to see in the dark, or tunnel vision, where they can only see straight ahead.

According to the world health organization (WHO), about 26.3 million people in Africa have some form of visual impairment, with 5.9 million completely blind. In Ghana alone, the Ghana health service reported that 227,920 Ghanaians were blind as of 2021. Shockingly, 15.3% of the world’s blind population is in Africa, showing how serious this issue is on our continent.

Common myths about blindness?

Many Africans hold certain beliefs about blindness that are not true. Here are a few common myths:

  • “Blindness is a normal part of aging.” Not true! While older people are at higher risk, blindness is not necessary part of aging. It can often be prevented with proper care.
  • “Eating gari causes blindness.” This is partly false. Poorly processed gari contains cyanide, which can be toxic when consumed in large quantities over time. However, gari itself does not directly cause blindness.
  • “If someone starts losing their sight, nothing can be done.” False! Some causes of blindness can be treated or even reversed if diagnosed early.

What causes blindness?

Today, up to 80% of blindness can be prevented or treated. However, many Africans lack access to proper eye care, increasing their risk of blindness.

In Ghana, the two biggest causes of blindness are:

  • Cataracts (54.8%): This condition causes cloudy vision, making it hard to see clearly.
  • Glaucoma (19.4%): This is when pressure builds up in the eye and damages the optic nerve, leading to blindness if untreated.

Other causes of blindness include:

  • Macular degeneration: This affects the part of the eye that helps us see details, making it hard to read or recognize faces.
  • A lazy eye (alukumi): A weak eye that doesn’t develop properly and may lead to vision loss.
  • Optic aeuritis:  Swelling of the nerve that sends signals from the eye to the brain, which can cause temporary or permanent blindness.
  • Retinitis pigmentosa: A rare condition that slowly damages the retina, leading to blindness.
  • Eye tumors: Growths in or near the eye that can press on nerves and cause vision loss.

Health conditions that can cause blindness?

Blindness is not always caused by eye diseases. Some other health conditions can also lead to vision loss, including:

  • Diabetes: High blood sugar can damage blood vessels in the eyes, leading to diabetic retinopathy.
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure): This can cause damage to the blood vessels in the eyes.
  • Stroke: If a stroke affects the part of the brain that controls vision, it can cause blindness.

In babies, blindness may be suspected if they do not follow moving objects with their eyes or are extremely sensitive to light. Causes of blindness in infants include:

  • Infections during pregnancy
  • Congenital cataracts (cloudy lenses at birth)
  • Prematurity-related blindness (babies born too early may have weak blood vessels in their eyes)

How is blindness diagnosed?

A visit to an eye specialist (optometrist) is the best way to check for blindness or vision problems.

During the check-up, the doctor will:

  • Test how clear your vision is.
  • Check how your eye muscles work.
  • Examine how your pupils respond to light.
  • Use a slit lamp (a special microscope with light) to examine the inside of the eye.

How can blindness be treated?

The treatment for vision loss depends on the cause. Some cases can be treated or reversed, while others require lifelong management.

Here are some treatment options:

  • Eyeglasses or contact lenses: Help correct vision problems like short-sightedness or long-sightedness.
  • Surgery: Can remove cataracts, correct eye injuries, or treat certain eye conditions.
  • Medication: Used for conditions like glaucoma to reduce pressure in the eye and prevent further damage.
  • Rehabilitation for the blind: People who are completely blind may need training to use walking canes, Braille (a system of reading with raised dots), or audio aids to help them live independently.

How to prevent blindness?

Blindness is not always preventable, but many cases can be avoided with simple health measures:

  • Get regular eye check-ups. If you notice sudden vision changes, eye pain, or blurry vision, see a doctor immediately.
  • Control blood sugar if you have diabetes. 90% of blindness caused by diabetes is preventable if managed early.
  • Eat foods that support eye health, such as:
  • Dark leafy greens like kontomire and spinach
  • Fish rich in omega-3, such as salmon and tuna
  • Fruits high in vitamin A, such as carrots and pawpaw
  • Wear protective eyewear if you work in dusty environments like mines, wood factories, or sand quarries.
  • Reduce screen time and follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to reduce eye strain.

Final advice?

Blindness is a major health issue in Africa, but it is not a hopeless condition. Many cases can be prevented or treated. Early detection is key, so do not ignore vision problems. Visit an eye clinic for regular check-ups.