The prevention of blindness from diabetes starts with proper management of the disease itself, including proper monitoring of the development of retinopathy, and the appropriate intervention, when indicated. The photocoagulation by means of a laser has had a dramatic impact in reducing blindness from diabetic retinopathy, together with advances made in vitro-retinal surgical techniques. The present challenge is to make such technology largely available in less developed countries, where diabetes is a growing public health problem. The macular degeneration leads to a reduction of the central vision, and hence gives rise to difficulties with reading and a number of daily living activities. There is no cure available for the disease, although laser application in one form of degeneration with vascularization may halt progress.
Research is ongoing as to other possible means of treatment.
Provision of low vision care, to enhance the use of residual vision can be very effective in reducing visual disability from macular degeneration. Such care is still largely unavailable in most developing countries, and there is a great need to develop low-cost technology in this field. Technical cooperation with countries is a major function of the WHO Programme for the Prevention of Blindness and Deafness, focusing on the development of national programmes. This process normally begins with the consideration and definition of a national health policy with regard to eye care provision, and the overall context of blindness prevention, particularly its integration with primary health care. The committee can be very useful for technical advisory services, technical standards and norms for the country to apply, and for coordinating the work between governmental and nongovernmental inputs.