Blindness is partial or complete loss of sight, defined as vision of 1/10 or worse in the best eye, even with glasses. In other words, a visually-impaired person can see clearly from 1 foot away, what someone with no problems can see from 10 feet away. There are diseases, like glaucoma, and conditions, like cataracts, that can cause vision loss. Injury to the eye or to the part of the brain that handles vision can also cause blindness. Some people develop vision problems from diabetes or eye infections. Doctors have medicines to treat glaucoma and surgery can remove cataracts. Protecting your eyes and head when riding a bike or playing sports can help avoid injuries.
Sites 5
- Blindness for Kids A legally blind retired schoolteacher explains what blindness is and how it affects people. Includes a section of famous blind people.
- Braille Bug Learn all about Braille, its creator, and Helen Keller. Includes games, activities and codes.
- KidsHealth: Blindness Read about how vision works, what causes problems, what doctors do, and how learning changes.
- TeensHealth: Visual Impairment Learn how the eyes work, common vision problems, causes, and treatments.
- MedlinePlus: Blindness Learn what it is, leading causes in the United States and around the world, and when to see a doctor.