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Medical Health Encyclopedia
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Blindness

Eye and Vision Problems ExploredDetecting Dry EyeLASIK Surgery



Neurofibromatosis I, enlarged optic foramen
Neurofibromatosis I, enlarged optic foramen


Blindness

Definition:

Blindness is the lack of vision, or a loss of vision that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Blindness may be partial, with very limited vision, or complete, with no perception of light. People with vision worse than 20/200, or a field of vision of less than 20 degrees in the better eye, are considered legally blind in most states in the U.S.

Alternative Names:
Loss of vision

Text Continues Below



Common Causes:

Blindness has many causes. In the United States, the leading causes are diabetes, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and accidents (such as chemical burns or injuries from bungie cords, fishing hooks, fireworks, racket balls, and similar objects).

Worldwide, the leading causes of blindness are cataracts, onchocerciasis (river blindness), trachoma, leprosy, and vitamin A deficiency.

Other causes include:



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