Global perspective Flashcards
What is the leading cause of blindness?
Cataracts
What causes loss of confidence of treatment of cataracts?
Lack of followup and surgical complications
What increases the risk of cataracts?
UV exposure
What is the leading cause of visual impairment?
uncorrective refractive error
How is uncorrective refractive error corrected?
With glasses
How is glaucoma treated?
Lifelong eyedrops
What are the causes of loss of confidence in treatment?
Complication of poor hygiene with drop insertion
What is trachoma?
Bacterial infection due to face washing in dirty water, sharing linen, and flies
What predisposes to trachoma?
Vit A deficiency
What does trachoma lead to?
Granulation of inner eyelid
Eyelids turn inwards causing scratching of cornea
What is the treatment of trachoma?
Surgery
Antibiotics
Facewashing
Environmental
What is river blindness transmitted by?
Blackfly
What does river blindness cause?
Eye lesions
Inflammation
Scarring
What is the treatment of river blindness?
Annual dose of Ivermectine
What is the leading cause of childhood blindness in industrialised nations?
Lesions
What are the leading causes of childhood blindness in low income countries?
Vit A deficiency
Corneal scars- measles, traditional eye remedies, infections, rubella cataracts
What can avoidable blindness be avoided with?
Hygiene, sanitation, clean water
Improved access to eye care
Improved nutrition
What are the approaches of avoiding blindness?
Awareness and education Target nutrition and hygiene Eye surgery camps an mobile cataract tent Improves facilities and access Vaccination programmes
What is disabling hearing loss?
Hearing loss greater than 40dB in adults
What do many cases of disabling hearing loss benefit from?
Aids, implants, sign language and social support
What are the causes of disabling hearing loss?
Congenital- maternal infections, birth asphyxia
Acquired- infections, trauma, excess noise
What are the consequences of disabling hearing loss?
Inability to communicate- social isolation
Affect on academic performance and prospects
What are the strategies to help with disabling hearing loss?
Immunisations Antenatal care Education Hygiene and clean water Health and safety legislation Early detection and intervention Social support Simple aids
What does global neurological disease account for?
> 50% global burden disease and huge disability
12% global mortality
Why is there more head injuries in low income countries?
Limited health and safety legislation
Road traffic accidents
Conflict
Access to healthcare
Why are craniofacial abnormalities higher in low income countries?
Secondary to maternal infections
What can cleft and lip palate cause?
Feeding difficulties and malnutrition, ear infections, speech problems, breathing difficulties
