1 box of 100 carbon steel surgical blades sterilised by gamma radiation, made by Swann Morton, used in trichiasis surgery, carbon steel, 2016 - 2017

Used for surgical openings, these scalpel blades, used with a metal handle, are a part of the kit for a Sightsavers surgeon to perform eye surgery.

Trachomatous trichiasis is where a person’s eyelids turn inwards and their eyelashes rub painfully against their eye. Without treatment, trichiasis can cause blindness. It is caused by repeated infections such as trachoma, inflammation, autoimmune conditions, and trauma. Surgeons operate to return a person’s eyelid to its original position, easing discomfort and improving a person’s sight.

Sightsavers is a charity that works prevent avoidable blindness and fight for the rights of people with disabilities in over 30 different countries. They estimate that around 2.5 million people need surgery for trichiasis. The charity trains people in the districts where they live to ensure different places have access to a surgeon and nurses. They travel to where people need their services and includes visiting nomadic communities. Between 2001 and 2020, their surgeons have provided 435,000 trichiasis operations.