Peru

Blindness in Peru

Peru is located in western South America and is home to Machu Picchu, the famous Inca citadel in the Andes Mountains. In the late 20th Century, Peru’s health care system collapsed due to an internal conflict that led to economic instability. Since then, the country has taken many steps to improve its healthcare system. However, for 40% of the Peruvian population still living in poverty, healthcare is almost impossible to afford. While cataracts are the main cause of blindness in Peru, increased sun exposure due to the high elevation causes a variety of other conditions. For example, pterygia, a condition that can cause blindness without proper treatment, is prevalent in people living in regions with sunny or windy climates.

Indigenous peoples comprise about 45% of Peru’s population and mainly live in rural areas with little to no access to health care, let alone vision care. They often use traditional medicines to treat their illnesses, some of which can damage the eye permanently. Reaching these communities is very important so that they learn about the proper care that exists and can be made available to them. With over 620,000 Peruvians suffering from blindness, the country is in high demand for more comprehensive eye care programs and training centers that focus on reaching underserved communities.