In 1994 MOSS undertook the first survey of its kind to
identify the main causes of blindness and partial sight in
Madagascar. Approximately 70% of adult blindness is treatable and
90% of childhood blindness preventable. The majority of causes such
as xerophthalmia (lack of vitamin A), glaucoma, diabetes and
infective ulceration could have been avoided if preventative
measures had been in place. Cataracts account for 60% of adult
blindness and cataract surgery has been described by the WHO as one
of the most cost-effective surgical interventions. Currently there
is a developing National Eye Health Programme and medication is
usually either lacking or too expensive for the vast majority of the
population.
Happily matters are starting to change
fast - most is for the better
