NEET PG High-Yield: Blindness
Blindness is a major public health challenge in India. Prevention of blindness programs prioritize cost-effective interventions for treatable conditions.
Definition (NPCB&VI)
Visual acuity of < 3/60 (or visual field of < 10°) in the better eye with best possible correction.
Leading Causes of Blindness in India
| Cause | Contribution/Notes |
|---|---|
| Cataract | Leading cause (approx. 60–65%). |
| Refractive Errors | A major cause of avoidable visual impairment. |
| Glaucoma | “Silent thief of sight”; irreversible. |
| Diabetic Retinopathy | Emerging as the leading cause in urban areas. |
High-Yield NEET PG Pearls:
- NPCB&VI: National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment.
- Vitamin A Prophylaxis: Crucial for preventing nutritional blindness (Xerophthalmia) in children.
- School Health Services: Primary strategy for detecting and correcting refractive errors early.
- Cataract Surgery: High-volume, cost-effective surgery is the cornerstone of the national strategy.
- Trachoma: Effectively eliminated as a public health problem in India (via the SAFE strategy: Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, Environmental improvement).