Blindness in the world: nursing experience in Nepal

According to statistical data from the World Health Organization, 41 to 52 million people have a vision of 20/200 (6/60) or less; 85% of these blind live in Asia and Africa. Cataract is the leading cause of blindness in underdeveloped countries. Glaucoma and infections are the other main causes. Half of the blind could be helped by surgery and 25% of blindness could be prevented. Strategies for prevention of blindness include an accurate estimation of the number of blind, an evaluation of the main causes of blindness, and behavioral changes in hygiene, nutrition, and seeking eye care. Although Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world, their eye care system is well-organized. The ophthalmic assistants constitute the backbone of the prevention program. They are trained to screen for diseases, give primary eye care, and assist in surgery.