Our Blindness Main Article provides a comprehensive look at the who, what, when and how of Blindness
Definition of Blindness
Blindness: Loss of useful sight. Blindness can be temporary or permanent. Damage to any portion of the eye, the optic nerve, or the area of the brain responsible for vision can lead to blindness. There are numerous (actually, innumerable) causes of blindness. The current politically correct terms for blindness include visually handicapped and visually challenged. Last Editorial Review: 4/27/2011 5:27:15 PM Back to MedTerms online medical dictionary A-Z List 
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Suggested Reading on Blindness by Our Doctors
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Measles
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Paget's Disease
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Leprosy
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Polymyalgia Rheumatica
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Corneal Ulcer
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Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
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Cataracts
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Scleritis
- Scleritis is inflammation of the white part of the eye. It may be caused by a serious underlying condition, such as an autoimmune disease. Symptoms include
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Macular Degeneration
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that gradually destroys the central vision. In people over 60, AMD is a leading cause of vision loss.
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Retinitis Pigmentosa
- Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a genetic condition that causes retinal degeneration and eventual vision loss. Symptoms include night blindness and tunnel
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Diabetes and Eye Problems
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Eye Care
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Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
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Trachoma
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Mucormycosis
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Neuromyelitis Optica
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Coats' Disease
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Smallpox
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Eyeglasses, Sunglasses, and Magnifying Glasses
- Nonprescription eyeglasses are available over the counter (OTC) and are typically used by people who can no longer read fine print. OTC trifocals are helpful
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Color Blindness
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Contact Lenses: Colored, Soft, Hard, Toric and Bifocal
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Onchocerciasis
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Stroke
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