Vision Impairment and Blindness

Causes & Prevention

What are the Major Causes of Blindness in the US?

The major causes of blindness in the US include:

  • Cataracts
  • Diabetic Retinopathy
  • Glaucoma
  • Macular Degeneration
  • Retinitis Pigmentosa

Details are at the site of the National Federation of the Blind.

Causes of Vision Impairment in Children and Adults

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vision impairment can be caused by damage to the eye itself, and due to the eye being shaped incorrectly, which can make it harder to focus on things. Vision impairment can also occur if the brain does not process visual information correctly. Vision impairment can occur anytime during a person's life, even before birth.

What Does It Mean When Medical Experts Say "Race" Is A Risk Factor For Certain Diseases?

Editor's Note:

"Race" is sometimes mentioned as a risk factor in the development of certain cancers and a number of other diseases. When you read this in a discussion about an illness, note that the explanation seldom refers to anything biological. Instead, it usually refers to behavior, such as eating habits. The kinds of behavior usually mentioned as risk factors are culturally determined. They are not genetic or biological.

Lung Association Warning: Fragrance Seriously Threatens Indoor Air Quality

According to the Lung Association, scents can cause serious health problems for people, especially for people with lung diseases like asthma or COPD. Being near a scented product- perfume, scented candles, or even scented laundry detergent- can make some people sick.