Protecting sight
Sightsavers aims to prevent avoidable blindness and save the sight of some of the world’s most vulnerable people.
Worldwide, 2.2 billion people have a visual impairment, but almost half of vision impairment is preventable or treatable.
We protect sight by providing eye operations for people who need them, and training eye care workers and surgeons to provide sight-saving treatment.
Through community volunteers, we also distribute medication to protect people from blinding diseases in some of the world’s poorest countries.
Eye conditions we treat and prevent
Cataracts
Cataracts cloud the eye’s lens, which can affect vision and lead to blindness. We train eye surgeons and provide operations to treat cataracts and restore sight.
Refractive error
These irregularities in the shape of the eye can cause blurred vision, but can be corrected by examining a patient’s eyes and giving them spectacles if needed.
Trachoma
This infection can cause the eyelashes to turn inwards so they scrape on the eye. We distribute preventative medication and offer surgery for advanced trachoma.
River blindness
Also known as onchocerciasis, this parasitic infection causes severe skin irritation and irreversible blindness, but can be treated with antibiotics to stop it spreading.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is when fluid builds up inside the eye, leading to pressure that damages the optic nerve. If it’s not treated in time, it can cause irreversible blindness.
Diabetic retinopathy
This eye disease is caused by high blood sugar and high blood pressure. Over time, this can damage the blood vessels in the back of the eye and can lead to blindness.
How do our eyes work?
Our eyes are responsible for four‑fifths of all the information our brain receives. The images we see are made up of light reflected from the objects we look at, and the light is then turned into signals that the brain can understand.
More about our eyesLearn about our work to fight blinding trachoma
The End is in Sight campaignYou can change lives for the better
