Blindness and Visual Impairment: Causes

This section connects the user to information about the causes of blindness and visual impairment. The Introduction and Overview section links to more general information, while the Diseases and Disorders section has sites with more detail about specific conditions, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and support groups. The Signs of Vision Disorders category advises the user about symptoms to be on the watch for.

Below is a list of topics you'll find in this section. Click on a title to jump to a specific topic.

Blindness and Visual Impairment: Introduction and Overview

Causes of Blindness, Lighthouse International
Causes of childhood blindness and their rates of prevalence in the United States and other parts of the world; includes references to several related epidemiological studies.

Causes of Blindness, Sightsavers International
In-depth illustrated descriptions of global causes of blindness and their treatments.

A-Z of Visually Impairing Conditions, V.I. Scotland
Thorough and well researched information about causes of blindness and visual impairment, as well as many medical conditions that can affect vision.

Causes of Blindness and Low Vision Sight Loss, National Federation of the Blind
Common eye conditions and causes of blindness in the United States; explained in non-clinical language accessible to the layperson.

Causes of Blindness & Low Vision Sight Loss, Braille Institute
Links to facts about sight loss, personal stories, symptoms, resources, and statistics.

Causes of Blindness and Visual Impairment, WHO (World Health Organization)
Statistics and distribution data on global blindness; includes links to more information on high incidence eye diseases.

Causes of Vision Impairment, Lighthouse International
Comprehensive statistics on eye diseases by age and ethnic group.

Eye Conditions, VisionAWARE
Statistical data on adult vision loss in the US and the world, including information on primary causes, diagrams and pictures.

Eye and Medical Conditions, New Hampshire Blind and Visually Impaired
Definitions, discussions, publications, and support resources for a wide range of eye conditions.

Leading Causes of Blindness, Olmsted Center for the Visually Impaired
Discussion of the four major causes of blindness: diabetic retinopathy, cataract, glaucoma and macular degeneration.  

Leading Causes of Blindness Worldwide, Department of Ophthalmology, Algemeen Ziekenhuis, Sint-Jozef, Turnhout, Belgium.
The main causes of blindness and visual disabilities worldwide; many of which are preventable. 

Major Causes of Blindness, National Federation of the Blind
Lists the five major causes of blindness in the U.S., with links to sites on less common conditions.

Selected Anomalies and Diseases of the Eye, Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Aimed at teachers of students with visual impairments; Virginia Bishop's online reference book offers brief definitions of eye conditions and their educational implications.

Eye Diseases and Disorders, Vision World Wide Inc.
Definitions, issues, trends and treatments related to eye diseases and disorders.

Most Common Low Vision Causing Conditions, The Low Vision Gateway
Descriptions of many eye diseases and conditions; links to related support groups.

Diseases & Conditions, The Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology
Facts on eye disease and treatment; free eye health educational materials.

Eye Conditions, Foundation Fighting Blindness
Information on causes of and treatments for retinitis pigmentosa (RP), macular degeneration, usher syndrome, and the entire spectrum of retinal degenerative diseases.

Eye Diseases and Conditions, New York Institute for Special Education
A wealth of information about eye diseases and conditions, including links to many resources.

Common Eye Conditions, EyeHelp
Information on common eye conditions.

Eye conditions, Royal National Institute of Blind People
Links to simple guides on common eye conditions; listings of frequently searched sites.

Fact Sheets, Vision Australia
Fact sheets on a wide range of issues relating to blindness and vision impairment; available in braille, audio formats, and large and standard print.

Eye Conditions, FamilyConnect for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments
This site has short definitions of many vision disorders and a few words about treatment and assistive technology. Includes links to support groups for the specific disorder or condition.

The Eye Care Page:  A Resource for People with Visual Impairments and Their Families, Sarah J. Blake
Information about eye conditions and care, eye wear, and living with a visual impairment.

Blindness, National Institute of Health
This US Government institute's site provides definitions, illustrations, causes of blindness, and advice on when to contact a medical professional.

Eye & Vision Problems, American Optometric Association
Symptoms and risk factors of eye and vision conditions.

Eye Conditions, Discovery Eye Foundation
Current information on diseases that affect elders: cataract, glaucoma, dry eyes, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

Causes of Vision Loss In Children, California School for the Blind
Geared to children and young teens searching for information about their vision disorders; includes causes, treatments, and accommodations in clear, non-technical language.

Specific Diagnoses Card Catalog, Family Village
Comprehensive information about many disabilities, disorders, and diseases. Includes links to support groups and sources of more information.

Eye Conditions, Vision Australia
Information on blindness and vision loss in Australia; links to fact sheets on twelve common causes of blindness and low vision.

Information Sheets, ADVISOR (Assisting the Development of Visually Impaired Students through Online Resources)
A collection of links to fact sheets about vision conditions that affect children.

Diseases and Disorders, National Eye Institute
This site has links to many free Full Text Pamphlets and booklets. Topics include age-related macular degeneration, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma.

Pediatric Visual Diagnosis Fact Sheets, Blind Babies
Links to fact sheets on six common visual diagnoses; useful to families, therapists, and medical and educational professionals working with children with visual impairments; available in English and Spanish.

Blindness and Visual Impairment: Organizations and Resources to Explore

More Information About Eye Diseases, BlindNet
A jumping-off place for visiting websites with information about many eye conditions.

About the Eye and Eye Disorders, Schepens Eye Research Institute
Up-to-date, reliable information on the most common eye diseases and disorders; research on new treatments and diagnostic tools.

American Foundation for the Blind
AFB provides a wealth of information and services to people who are blind or visually impaired, and their families, and for the professionals who serve them.

Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB)
A nationwide agency with the mission "to enhance independence for people with vision loss and to be the leader in promoting vision health" in Canada; in English and French.

Vision Health, Lighthouse International
Information and resources for people living with blindness or visual impairments; includes sections on anatomy of the eye, eye disorders, prevention, and tips for confident living. The website contains a separate section for professionals.

National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research
This coalition of 55 professional, consumer, and industry organizations involved in eye and vision research works to achieve the best eye and vision care for all Americans through advocacy and public education.

National Association for the Visually Handicapped
Provides low vision services, visual aids, training, and coping advice to the Hard of Seeing™ worldwide.

National Federation of the Blind
This consumer group lists the causes of blindness in young adults and people over 65; includes links to sites with related medical information

Royal National Institute for Blind People (RNIB)
One of the leading service agencies in the United Kingdom, RNIB offers practical support, advice, and imaginative solutions to anyone with a vision disorder; distributes braille and Talking Books nationwide.

Vision Australia
Australia's leading provider of blindness and low vision services offers fact sheets, downloadable web accessibility tools, and useful links.

VisionAWARE
A "Self-Help for Vision Loss" web site that provides free, practical, hands-on information to enhance quality of life and independence for adults with vision loss, their families and friends, caregivers, and related professionals.

See information about Statistics on Blindness and Visual Impairment for more information.

Diseases and Disorders That Cause Blindness and Visual Impairment

Below is a list of topics you'll find in this section. Click on a title to jump to a specific topic.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD or ARMD)

Age-Related Macular Degeneration, American Foundation for the Blind—Senior Site
An overview, including signs and symptoms, an online video exploring adaptive technology, and additional resources.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Sacramento Network of Care
Causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of age-related macular degeneration, and suggestions for living with it.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration, National Eye Institute
This introduction to age-related macular degeneration includes an update on current research. Also available as a pdf.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Vision 2020
An exploration of the global prevalence of age-related macular degeneration.

Macular Degeneration, Lighthouse International
Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of for age-related macular degeneration.

Seeing the Whole Picture: Visual Function and Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Lighthouse International
This 24-page booklet explores the impact of age-related macular degeneration on vision, activities of daily living, and emotions; includes advice for health care professionals working with patients with the condition.

Special Issue on Macular Degeneration, VisionAWARE
A newsletter issue devoted to the topic, including treatments, coping suggestions, and additional resources.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD or ARMD): Organizations and Resources to Explore

AMD Alliance International
Information for people with age-related macular degeneration, their families, caregivers, and professionals.

AMD Learning Center, Prevent Blindness America
An introduction to age-related macular degeneration and suggestions on living with the disease.

Macular Degeneration Foundation (Australia)
A wide array of information and resources.

Macular Degeneration Foundation (USA)
The online newsletter on this site offers updates on research findings and practical tips for people with age-related macular degeneration.

Portal to Macular Degeneration Organizations on the Internet, MD Support
An annotated list of organizations that specialize in macular degeneration.

Information and Support, Macular Degeneration Support
Free information and personal assistance for people dealing with macular degeneration and similar retinal diseases.

Albinism

Albinism, ADVISOR (Assisting the Development of Visually Impaired Students through Online Resources)
Includes information on albinism disorder, symptoms, behaviors, well known cases and research.

Raising a Child with Albinism, National Organization of Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH)
Links to information about albinism, including issues specific to children, students, and medical patients who have albinism.

Amblyopia

Amblyopia (Lazy Eye), Prevent Blindness America
Definition of amblyopia, causes and treatment.

Aniridia

Aniridia, Aniridia Network
Information about aniridia and living with the condition.

Cataract

Cataract, National Eye Institute
Causes, risk factors, symptoms, treatment, and current research on cataracts.

Cataract and the Aging Eye, Lighthouse International
A thorough introduction to cataracts, including the different types, signs and symptoms, risk factors, and eye examinations.

Cataracts, American Foundation for the Blind—Senior Site
Practical tips for living with cataracts.

Cataracts, Sacramento Network of Care
This article explores the pros and cons of surgery, includes suggestions for daily living.

Pediatric Glaucoma & Cataract Family Association
This site includes a searchable knowledgebase, an Ask the Doctor forum, videos, news, and article reviews.

CHARGE Syndrome

CHARGE Syndrome Foundation
Information about CHARGE Syndrome, including special resource packets for new parents and professionals, a one-page fact sheet, a list of frequently asked questions, a newsletter, information on medical management, and online resources.

Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI)

Autistic Spectrum Disorders and Cortical Visual Impairment: Two Worlds on Parallel Courses, Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Lists characteristics of CVI, and includes information on prosopagnosia and facial agnosia, and some diagnostic strategies.

Characteristics of Cortical Visual Impairment Checklist, Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Identifies some of the behavioral characteristics common to children with CVI.  Includes areas of appearance, visual function, mobility, and improved visual performance.

Children with Cortical Visual Impairment, American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
Maryke Groenveld presents an introduction to CVI, including interpretation of visual information, assessment procedures, implications for intervention, and additional impairments.

Children with Cortical Vision Impairment:  Implications for Education, School of Special Education and Disability Studies, Flinders University
Definition, identification, causes and characteristics, and typical behaviors. Provides an overview of educational intervention and important pedagogical considerations.

Cortical Visual Impairment, Blind Babies Foundation
This Pediatric Visual Diagnosis Fact Sheet provides a brief overview of CVI, including definition, cause, characteristics, and teaching strategies.

Cortical Visual Impairment: An Overview of Current Knowledge, Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Lists some behaviors associated with CVI, and recommendations for home and school.  Discusses the importance of familiarity and the style of presentation of materials.

Cortical Visual Impairment: Some Words of Caution, American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
Dr. Mary Morse discusses the complexity of CVI, the differences among children with CVI, and the need for a variety of approaches.

CVI Environmental Adaptations from Perkins School for the Blind, American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
Practical suggestions for adapting schedule boards, light boxes, the bathroom, vocational activities, toys, walkers, and other materials.

CVI Notes, Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Tips for stimulating the visual development of young children with CVI; drawn from a conference presentation by Christine Roman.

Developing Visual Skills for Children who Face Cortical Visual Impairments
Simplified Technology, Linda J. Burkhart
How to help children with CVI develop neurological pathways to make sense of what they see. Includes design adaptations and strategies to enhance vision, cognition and communication.

Doctor's Information Resource Cortical Visual Impairment: Current Perspectives, ADVISOR (Assisting the Development of Visually Impaired Students through Online Resources)
A broad overview of CVI, including causes, behaviors, rehabilitation and education, and a conceptual framework for understanding the visual difficulties in CVI.

Neurological Visual Impairment, California Deaf-Blind Services
This fact sheet offers an introduction to neurological and cortical visual impairment, including a list of suggested instructional strategies.

Programming for Students Who Have Severe Cortical Visual Impairments, American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
Guidelines to help students with CVI develop their visual efficiency.

Strategies for Working with Children with Cortical Visual Impairment, Pennsylvania Training & Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN)
24-page document has practical suggestions for early intervention, and strategies for pre-school, elementary, and high school; includes students with multiple disabilities.

Understanding the Behaviours of Children With CVI, American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
Discusses basic brain structure and causes of CVI, behaviors, assessment and intervention strategies; includes a checklist of behavioral characteristics.

Cortical Visual Impairment: Organizations and Resources to Explore

Cortical Visual Impairment, National Consortium on Deaf-Blindness
Includes articles, bibliographies and internet resources.

CVI – Damage to the Brain – A Common Cause of Visual Impairment to Children, Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired
An overview of the visual system and how it works; how brain damage can cause disorders of vision; approaches to help students with CVI.

CVI Website, American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
Information on all aspects of cortical visual impairment (CVI), including introductory materials, sample goals and reports, environmental supports, intervention strategies, CVI products, research, and resources.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetes, Vision Loss and Aging, Lighthouse International
This overview of diabetes includes information about low vision management.

Diabetic Retinopathy, American Foundation for the Blind—Senior Site
Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy and links to additional resources.

Diabetic Retinopathy, Sacramento Network of Care
Information about treatment of diabetic retinopathy, tips for living with the condition.

Diabetes and Vision Problems: Performing Daily Diabetes Tasks When You Can't See Well, WebMD
Suggestions on self-care for those who have diabetes and low vision.

Glaucoma

International Glaucoma Association
A comprehensive source of up-to-date news and information about glaucoma.

Glaucoma, American Foundation for the Blind—Senior Site
Basic information and links to additional resources about glaucoma.

Glaucoma, Lighthouse International
An introduction to the different types of glaucoma, its symptoms, and treatment.

Glaucoma, Sacramento Network of Care
An overview of glaucoma and suggestions for living well with it.

Glaucoma: Organizations and Resources to Explore

Pediatric Glaucoma & Cataract Family Association
This site includes a searchable knowledgebase, an Ask the Doctor forum, videos, news, and article reviews.

About Glaucoma, Glaucoma Foundation
Diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma; links to an online newsletter.

Glaucoma Research Foundation
Information on glaucoma's impact on vision, living with the disease, treatment, and research.

Nystagmus

American Nystagmus Network (ANN)
Basic description of nystagmus, FAQs, information for parents of school-age children with the condition.

Optic Nerve Atrophy

Optic Nerve Atrophy, ADVISOR (Assisting the Development of Visually Impaired Students through Online Resources)
Information on Optic Nerve Atrophy disorder, symptoms, behaviors, research and links to related sites.

Retinopathy of Prematurity

Welcome to ROPARD,The Association for Retinopathy of Prematurity and Related Diseases (ROPARD)
Retinopathy of prematurity—its history, a bibliography, and lists of resources.

Signs of Vision Disorders

Does Your Child Have a Vision Problem That Might Be Interfering With School Performance?  Optometrists Network
A  questionnaire for determining whether a vision evaluation is needed; includes links to related topics such as pediatric care, vision therapy, vision checklists and learning disabilities.

Signs of Vision Problems, British Association of Behavioural Optometrists (BABO)
A checklist of symptoms to take along to a behavioral optometrist.

Signs of Vision Problems, Children's Vision Foundation
Common physical signs and performance changes that may indicate the need for a comprehensive vision exam.

Signs That Your Child May Have a Vision Problem, Save Our Sight
A list of warning signs for parents.

Signs Your Child has Poor Vision, EyeHelp
Symptoms of poor vision: changes in appearance of the eye and some behavioral indications.

Visual Impairment Warning Signs and Risks, Center for the Partially Sighted
Warning signs and risk factors for vision loss in adults and children.

Warning Signs, The Vision Council
Identifying vision disorders in adults and children.

Observable Signs of Vision Problems, American Foundation for the Blind—Senior Site
This site lists observable signs of vision loss and disorders.

Signs of Eye Problems in Adults, Prevent Blindness America
Symptoms of eye and vision conditions; information about potentially serious ones.

Signs of Vision Loss, American Foundation for the Blind—Senior Site
Behavior changes in daily activities which may be indicative of vision loss.