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Abstract #19279 Published in IGR 9-3
Causes of visual impairment in children: A study of 3,210 cases
Haddad MAO; Sei M; Sampaio MW; Kara-Jose NJournal of Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus 2007; 44: 232-240
PURPOSE: To determine causes of visual impairment in children at the Low Vision Service of the Ophthalmic Clinic at the University of Sao Paulo and at the Brazilian Association for the Visually Impaired People (Laramara), located in Sao Paulo, Brazil. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study evaluated 3,210 visually impaired children (49% female, 51% male; average age, 5.9 years). Visual impairment was present in 57% (visually impaired group) and 43% presented another associated disability (multiple disability group). RESULTS: The main causes of visual impairment in the visually impaired group were toxoplasmic macular retinochoroiditis (20.7%), retinal dystrophies (12.2%), retinopathy of prematurity (11.8%), ocular malformation (11.6%), congenital glaucoma (10.8%), optic atrophy (9.7%), and congenital cataracts (7.1%). The main causes of visual impairment in the multiple disability group were optic atrophy (37.7%), cortical visual impairment (19.7%), toxoplasmic macular retinochoroiditis (8.6%), retinopathy of prematurity (7.6%), ocular malformation (6.8%), congenital cataracts (6.1%), and degenerative disorders of the retina and macula (4.8%). The retina was the most frequently affected anatomic site in the visually impaired group (49.2%) and the optic nerve in the multiple disability group (39%). CONCLUSION: Primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention efforts for childhood blindness and visual rehabilitation must be considered in Latin America.
Dr. M.A.O. Haddad, Rua da Consolacao, 2779, CEP 01416-001, Sao Paulo - SP, Brazil
Classification:
9.1.1 Congenital glaucoma, Buphthalmos (Part of: 9 Clinical forms of glaucomas > 9.1 Developmental glaucomas)
1.1 Epidemiology (Part of: 1 General aspects)
