Impact of Blindness in Malawi
Blindness has profound human and socio economic consequences everywhere. The costs and impact on productivity, and rehabilitation and education of the blind constitute a significant economic burden, particularly in developing countries such as Malawi.
Blindness is often associated with lower life expectancy and a significant contributor to mortality in children.
OVERVIEW OF THE PRESENT MAGNITUDE AND MAJOR CAUSES OF BLINDNESS IN MALAWI
With a population of 11.3 million people, and an estimated prevalence rate of blindness of 1.0%, Malawi has about 113,000 blind people in the country of which up to 80% of all blindness is a result of five preventable or treatable conditions.
Cataract is a major cause of blindness contributing to 50% of all blindness. Other estimates indicate that glaucoma contributes to 15%, Trachoma 15% and childhood blindness resulting from congenital cataract, Vitamin A deficiency, Measles and harmful traditional practices contributes 1%.
Cataract
The commonest cause of cataract is aging. Approximately 56,000 people are blind from cataract and each year 10,000 people go blind due to cataract. Approximately 95% of cataracts are treatable through ECCE‐ IOL surgical operation. Each operation costs about 20-30 USD
Trachoma
Trachoma is a disease related to poor hygiene which is linked with poverty.It is endemic and non‐seasonal in most parts of Malawi. Trachoma is the most common preventable cause of blindness through general hygiene. Active cases of trachoma are treated with tetracycline and surgery for trichiasis.
Onchocerciasis
Onchocerciasis rarely causes blindness in Malawi.
Childhood Blindness
The major causes of childhood blindness in Malawi are corneal scars from measles, vitamin A deficiency, harmful traditional practices and congenital cataract. There is an estimated 11,000 blind children in Malawi (assuming a prevalence of 1 per 1000 children)
Refractive Errors
The estimated prevalence of significant refractive errors is 1% overall while in the age group of 11‐16 years it is estimated to be 2%. Refractive errors are correctable through improved access to spectacles.
Other Causes of Eye Problems:
Include HIV/AIDS related retinopathies, diabetic retinopathies and glaucoma. The prevalence of HIV/AIDS related and diabetic retinopathies are both on the increase with the increasing prevalence of HIV/AIDS and diabetes.Currently HIV/AIDS related and diabetic retinopathies are not treatable in Malawi due to lack of facilities.
The prevalence of glaucoma is estimated at 15% of all causes of blindness. It is a silent cause of blindness-like a 'thief in the night'. Glaucoma is currently treated through both medical and surgical interventions. Diagnosis in Malawi is late with little one can do due to it's advanced progression at presentation.
