[Corneal blindness in Tunisia: prevalence and causes].

Abstract

The authors are investigating cases of corneal blindness in Tunisia. In the rural areas of the southern part of Tunisia, the corneal blindness is the second cause for sight loss and is responsible for almost 25% of the cases of blindness. In areas where preventive blindness programs have been set up, the prevalence rate of blindness caused by corneal disease has risen from 25% to 8% within the past few years. The most frequent etiology is composed by trachoma, traumatism and corneal ulcers. The authors insist on better prevention and better treatment of corneal diseases.