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. 2005 Dec;113(12):A822-7.
doi: 10.1289/ehp.113-a822.

Focusing on vision through an environmental lens

Julia R Barrett

Focusing on vision through an environmental lens

Julia R Barrett. Environ Health Perspect. 2005 Dec.
No abstract available

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Figures

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Clouding our vision.
Cataract, the leading cause of blindness worldwide, arises from a combination of factors including genetics, age, and environmental exposures. Though largely treatable, poor access to health care leaves many around the world to suffer. (Top to bottom) An acute sudden-onset cortical cataract in a person with type 1 diabetes; a hypermature age-related cataract; a white congenital cataract.
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Insight into the problem.
Flies attracted to eye secretions are one way trachoma is transmitted (above). In its bid to eradicate this disease by 2020, the WHO encourages facial cleanliness (right top) and improvements in sanitation such as burying waste (right bottom).
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Focusing on onchocerciasis.
When parasites spread by blackflies (above) enter the body, their larvae migrate to the eyes and skin, causing lesions that result in inflammation, bleeding, and severe visual impairment or blindness if left untreated treated (right top). Treatment with ivermectin (right bottom) has reduced the disease in most areas and nearly eradicated it in some.
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Seeing a way past trachoma.
A 15-minute procedure performed by a doctor or trained nurse using local anesthetic can reverse the conditions that cause trachoma and reduce the risk of blindness. Globally, however, lack of access to basic health care keeps many patients in the dark.
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