There are many factors linked to trachoma including lack of water, absence of latrines or toilets, poverty in general, flies, close proximity to cattle, crowding and poor hygiene. Children are most susceptible to the infection but the effects are often not felt until adulthood.
The infection is similar to 'pink eye.' The danger is that the over time the reinfections of trachoma maintains the intense inflammation in the conjunctiva. When this happens there is scarring in the eyelid leading to distortion of the lid. The eyelashes rub on the eye because of the distortion causing scarring and in the end blindness. Trachoma is the world's leading cause of infectious blindness with over 41 million people suffering from active infections and almost 8 million people visually impaired.
Operation Eyesight, an organization dedicated to preventing and treating avoidable blindness in the developing world allows Canadians to gift African communities with a VIP (ventilated improved pit) latrine for just $65. Those latrines are a step in reducing blindness.
“Canadians are looking for a simple yet meaningful way that they can give to others who have so much less in our world. Our Gift Guide has a collection of gifts that will help you make a lasting impact,” says president and CEO
Pat Ferguson.
