About Blindness in Nepal

Worldwide, there are over 50 million blind people and a further 180 million suffering from serious visual impairments.The World Health Organisation estimates that 90% of these live in developing countries.

Nepal shoulders one of the largest burdens of global blindness with around 3% of the population either totally or partially blind. That figure is expected to increase by 20% per annum.

Causes

There are a number of reasons for the high prevalence of blindness in Nepal but poverty is by far the most common cause. With 25% of the population living in rural areas and below the poverty line, access to medical care and education is extremely limited. Causes of blindness include:

• Malnutrition. Vitamin A deficiency(VAD) is the leading cause of blindness in children and pregnant women



• Corneal scarring. Agricultural workers often get infections when they remove the chaff from the wheat and rice by hand - this material can hit an eye, damaging the cornea



• Traditional remedies. Locally used remedies for eye injuries include dirty water, honey, mud and even cow dung



• Civil war. Injuries from faulty weapons and land mines are on the increase



• Insufficient medical care. 80% of conditions are preventable if caught in time

Scientists are currently investigating whether the intense UV sunlight or genetic predilections could also be contributory factors.

Impact of Blindness

In Nepal, blindness is not merely a medical issue but a developmental issue with social and economic ramifications.

When a person goes blind in a rural area, he or she can expect to live for about 3 years. In the Himalaya, where there are few paved roads and the terrain is rugged and mountainous, mobility is extremely difficult. No social services exist and blind individuals cannot contribute to family income. Their need for constant care from another family member reduces the family earning potential still further and as a result, many feel that they are a burden to their families and have very little self-confidence. They are marginalized and neglected and often become objects of pity within local communities.



Blind people in Nepal need vocational opportunities that economically empower them & enable them to generate their own income & lead dignified, independent lives. For this to happen attitudes must change and the promotion of new professions for the blind like massage will be essential. TO TOP