Question

___________ is a major cause of preventable blindness that can be reduced through improved sanitation. a. Ophthalmia neonatorum b. Keratitis c. Trachoma d. Cutaneous anthrax

Short answer

Trachoma (c) is a major cause of preventable blindness that can be reduced through improved sanitation.

Step-by-step solution

Identifying the cause of preventable blindness

To solve this exercise, the task is to identify which condition listed is a major cause of preventable blindness associated with sanitation. Research or use of a textbook is necessary to find the connection between the conditions and blindness related to sanitation.

Eliminating incorrect options

By researching or reviewing medical texts, we can rule out options not associated with sanitation and blindness. Ophthalmia neonatorum is often associated with infection during birth, not poor sanitation. Keratitis involves inflammation of the cornea which can have many causes, not specifically poor sanitation. Cutaneous anthrax affects the skin and is not primarily an ocular condition.

Choosing the correct answer

Trachoma is known to be related to poor sanitation and is a major cause of preventable blindness. It is spread through contact with eye, nose, or throat secretions from affected individuals or contact with contaminated objects. Improving sanitation can significantly reduce the transmission of the bacteria causing trachoma.

Key concepts

Understanding Trachoma

Trachoma is an infectious eye disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and is a significant public health problem in many developing countries. Repeated infections lead to scarring of the inner eyelid, which in turn can cause the eyelashes to turn inward and scrape against the cornea, a condition known as trichiasis. This chronic irritation can lead to corneal clouding and, if left untreated, blindness.

To tackle trachoma, health initiatives focus on the SAFE strategy, which stands for Surgery for trichiasis, Antibiotics to treat the infection, Facial cleanliness to reduce transmission, and Environmental improvements to increase clean water and sanitation. Trachoma is, indeed, a preventable cause of blindness, and its prevalence is highly indicative of a community's need for improved sanitation and health education.

The Role of Improved Sanitation

Improved sanitation plays a pivotal role in preventing numerous diseases, including ocular conditions like trachoma. Access to clean water and proper waste disposal methods are crucial in reducing the spread of bacteria and other infectious agents.

Improvements may include building latrines to prevent fecal contamination, introducing clean water supplies, promoting handwashing, and facilitating waste management. Communities that invest in sanitation infrastructure not only witness a decline in the incidence of trachoma but also other infectious diseases, enhancing overall public health and preventing unnecessary blindness. Education on hygiene practices complements infrastructure developments, reinforcing the importance of sanitation in preventing the spread of infections.

Identifying Ocular Conditions

An ocular condition is any disorder or disease that affects the eye. Apart from trachoma, other common ocular conditions include refractive errors, cataracts, and glaucoma, each varying in causes and potential prevention strategies.

Understanding and identifying these conditions early can significantly influence treatment outcomes and the prevention of vision impairment. For example, cataracts can be treated with surgery, while glaucoma requires lifelong management of intraocular pressure. Regular eye examinations are crucial for early detection and treatment, reducing the risk of preventable blindness. Communities must be informed about the signs and symptoms of ocular conditions, as well as the available treatment options, to encourage timely medical attention.