Severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), cataracts, Vitamin A deficiency, measles, conjunctivitis and refractive error are also causes.

Since vitamin A is required for rhodopsin, the photosensitive pigment in the retinol rods, its deficiency can lead to night blindness.

[8] Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is classified by the abnormal growth of blood vessels in the retina, a process called retinal neovascularization.

If the vessels grow too far in the wrong direction, they can pull the retina away from the back of the eye – this is called retinal detachment.

[12] Leading causes include retinopathy of prematurity, vitamin A deficiency, infectious diseases (measles, newborn conjunctivitis), retinoblastoma, and congenital conditions (cataracts and glaucoma).

[13] Leber congenital amaurosis primarily affects the retina, and typically severe visual impairment begins in infancy.

Mutations in Aryl hydrocarbon receptor interacting protein like-1 have been linked to Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA).

From 6-12 months, children are screened at their well-child visits with the red reflex test, assessment of eye movement, and proper pupil dilation.

Babies delivered preterm, defined at or before 37 weeks of gestation, have incomplete development of the blood vessels supplying the retina.

[21] At birth, increased exposure to oxygen from the environment and from medical interventions (such as a high flow nasal cannula) causes damage to retinal blood vessels and stunts their growth.

Prevention of ROP in preterm babies involves careful monitoring of oxygen delivery to avoid excess exposure.

[29] Eye care/screening for children within primary health care is important, as catching ocular disease issues can lead to better outcomes overall.

Childhood blindness is most prevalent among children with genetic ancestry from Africa and Asia, who represent 75% of the world's affected population.

It has also become a tool to influence governments around the world to allocate funds for blindness prevention programs and educational initiatives.