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Blindness and visual impairment

(German version only) Download the booklet as PDF

Blindness and visual impairment are usually caused by eye diseases. In Germany, eye diseases are predominantly attributed to three conditions: age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

If blindness and visual impairment are to be prevented, the underlying causes need to be diagnosed and treated early. In cases where blindness has already occurred, patients can still be provided with different forms of support including financial assistance or other benefits and services. The aim of this support is to ensure that blind and visually impaired individuals can participate fully in society. Research is still required into the possibilities for diagnosis and therapy with regard to eye diseases. Improvements also need to be made to the range of measures that are available for early diagnosis and to encourage service uptake. The demographic ageing of the population in Germany alone means that a sharp increase in the need for care should be expected in the field of ophthalmology.

Date: 10.03.2017