Gogate P, Kishore H, Dole K, Shetty J, Gilbert C, Ranade S, Kumar M, Srihari , Deshpande M
The pattern of childhood blindness in Karnataka, South India. [Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't]
Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2009 Jul-Aug; 16(4):212-7.
PURPOSE: To determine the causes of severe visual impairment and blindness in children in schools for the blind in southern Karnataka state of India.
METHOD: Children aged less than 16 years with a visual acuity of < 6/60 in the better eye, attending the residential schools for the blind were examined in 2005-2006, in the Karnataka state in the south of India. History taking, visual acuity estimation, external ocular examination, retinoscopy, and fundoscopy were done on all students. Refraction and low vision work-up done where indicated. The anatomical and etiological causes of severe visual impairment (< 6/60-3/60) and blindness (< 3/60 in the better eye) were classified using the World Health Organization's prevention of blindness programs' record system.
RESULTS: A total of 1,179 students were examined, 891 of whom fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The major anatomical sites of visual loss were congenital anomalies (microphthalmos, anophthalmos) (321, 35.7%), corneal conditions (mainly scarring due to vitamin A deficiency, measles, trauma) (133, 14.9%), cataract or aphakia in 102 (11.4%), and retinal disorders (mainly dystrophies) in 177 children (19.9%). Nearly one-fourth of children were blind from conditions which could have been prevented or treated (27.8%), 87 of whom were referred for surgery. Low vision devices improved near acuity in 27 children (3%), and 43 (4.8%) benefited from refraction.
CONCLUSIONS: Congenital anomalies, cataract, and retinal conditions account for most of the blindness in children.
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