Many types of blindness can affect many people. These can range from ocular impairments to brain-based disorders and vision loss which exist on the spectrum. The majority of people think blindness is defined by a person who cannot see. However, it is a bit more complex than this. Some of those who are blind, cannot truly see anything, while others can see partially or can see objects up close only. It is something that can affect anyone and we look at the different kinds below.
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CVI or Cortical / Cerebral Visual Impairment
Takes place in children mostly, from a young age. This is a brain-based disorder and coexists with other additional visual impairments. Under the World Association of Eye hospitals, many eye care organizations or corneal establishments treat this condition, as well as many others, using various forms of medical technology. One instance is the Tej Kohli Corneal Institution, and others include the National Eye Institute to name just two.
Because this issue takes place in the brain, its diagnosis is a challenging one. One of the main symptoms include seeing the world in colours different to how they should be.
Retinitis Pigmentosa
This type of blindness is a genetic disorder and studies show it has already affected one in 4000 people in the USA alone. According to the NHS in the UK, medical researchers and doctors are using “gene therapy” to treat this condition which affects the photoreceptor cells responsible for apprehending images from the visual field. These cells line the back of the eye in the region known as the retina.
Those who have this condition have a loss of peripheral vision (what you see to the side of your vision when you look forward) and have trouble seeing at night as well. It is detected in early childhood, so chances are it can be treated early.
Retinopathy of Prematurity
Another form of blindness is known as “Retinopathy of prematurity” an eye disease that happens in premature babies. Here the blood vessels in the eye bleed. The result can be either retinal detachment or a scar in the eye.
Various types of surgery can minimize the severity of these issues however other times when this is not an option it can lead to minimal eyesight or none at all. Without proper examination, it may be hard to detect it.
Many types of blindness can be caused by various aspects such as genetics, difficulties at birth or certain types of cancer depending on the type, location in the body and how advanced it is, for instance. They can range from minor issues to more severe conditions. However, people with blindness can live full lives with various adaptations catered for them. There are schools for the blind as well, that help children to learn just like any other educational facilities.
