Climate Change Is Threatening Eye Health
Global temperatures continue to rise and summer heat records are breaking year by year. Extreme weather is putting greater pressure on communities that are already facing serious water and sanitation challenges.
For people living in remote and impoverished areas, heat and drought can worsen water shortages and hygiene conditions, increase the risk of infectious eye diseases and bring avoidable blindness closer. One of the most overlooked diseases is trachoma.
Beyond increasing the risk of infectious eye diseases such as trachoma, rising temperatures and increased UV exposure have also been linked to other forms of vision loss.
20% of Cataracts Caused by UV Exposure
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation contributes to approximately 20% of cataract cases worldwide, one of the leading causes of avoidable blindness.
Extreme Heat Waves Linked to Congenital Cataracts
Research published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that exposure to extreme heat during early pregnancy increased the likelihood of congenital cataracts in infants, with risk rising by up to 51% for every 5°F increase in daily minimum apparent temperature.
Climate Change May Increase Trachoma Risk
The World Economic Forum highlights that rising temperatures, prolonged droughts and dust storms can worsen water scarcity and hygiene conditions, creating an environment that may accelerate the spread of infectious eye diseases such as trachoma.
These findings show that climate change is not only an environmental issue. It is also becoming a growing public health and eye health challenge for vulnerable communities around the world.
The Heartbreaking Reality
Both Cataract and Trachoma can be prevented and treated. Yet for communities without clean water, sanitation and eye care, receiving timely help is still not guaranteed.
Every Blink Hurts
In Ethiopia, Semira endured the pain of trachoma for two years. She described every blink feel like a knife against her eye. As a mother, she not only feared losing her sight but also worried about what would happen to her family if she could no longer see.
With limited access to clean water and healthcare, trachoma continued to spread in communities facing poor sanitation. Despite the daily pain, Semira still had to work and care for her family, without knowing when treatment would become available.
Fortunately, the local health bureau identified Semira, and an outreach team trained by The Fred Hollows Foundation provided her with surgery. The treatment relieved her fear of permanent blindness and allowed her to keep seeing the faces of her children and family.
But Many More People Are Still Waiting
Not everyone can access eye care in time. Your support can help more people like Semira receive treatment, escape the pain and preserve the precious sight that connects them with their families.
Ending Trachoma Takes More Than One Treatment
Trachoma is closely linked to living conditions. Reducing infection and preventing blindness requires a comprehensive approach combining surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness and environmental improvement, bringing together treatment, prevention and community hygiene.
Your donation can help:
- Provide eye examinations, treatment and surgery for people in need
- Support antibiotics, trachoma control and disease monitoring
- Train local eye health workers, outreach teams and community health workers
- Promote facial cleanliness, health education, clean water and improved sanitation
The Fred Hollows Foundation Witnesses A Major Trachoma Elimination Milestone In Australia
The Fred Hollows Foundation has welcomed the World Health Organization’s formal confirmation that Australia has eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. Tanya Morris, representing The Foundation’s Indigenous Australia Program, said the achievement reflects decades of collaboration between governments, Aboriginal community-controlled health organizations and many partners.
Australia’s success shows that with long-term commitment and collective action, eliminating trachoma is within reach. Your support can help The Fred Hollows Foundation work with more communities to advance prevention, treatment and ongoing care, moving towards the next trachoma elimination milestone.
