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Abstract #26707 Published in IGR 12-3
Survey of childhood blindness and visual impairment in Botswana
Nallasamy S; Anninger WV; Quinn GE; Nkomazana OJournal of AAPOS 2010; 14: 23-24
Introduction: In terms of blind-person years, the worldwide burden of childhood blindness is second only to cataracts. In developing countries, 30%-72% of childhood blindness is avoidable (preventable or treatable). Botswana is a middle-income country with poor access to ophthalmic care.We carried out this study to determine avoidable causes of childhood blindness and visual impairment (VI) in Botswana so a nationwide intervention could be planned. Methods: This study was carried out over 4 weeks in February to March 2009 in 8 cities in Botswana. Children with VI were recruited through a radio advertisement and local outreach programs. Children (less-than or equal to)15 years of age with visual acuity<20/60 in either eye were enrolled and examined. The World Health Organization/Prevention of Blindness Eye Examination RECORD for Children with Blindness and Low Vision was used to RECORD data. Results: We enrolled 241 children, 79 with unilateral and 162 with bilateral VI. The most common causes of VI were refractive error, amblyopia, and cataract-related. Of unilateral cases, 89% were avoidable: 23% preventable (83% trauma-related) and 66% treatable (40% refractive error and 31% amblyopia). Of bilateral cases, 63% were avoidable: 5% preventable and 58% treatable (33% refractive error, 31% congenital cataracts, and 13% congenital glaucoma). Conclusions: Significant avoidable childhood blindness and VI exists. Refractive error, which is easily correctable with glasses, is the most common cause of bilateral VI, with cataracts a close second. Simple measures can be made to reduce childhood VI in Botswana. A nationwide intervention is currently being planned.
S. Nallasamy.
Classification:
1.5 Glaucomas as cause of blindness (Part of: 1 General aspects)
9.1.2 Juvenile glaucoma (Part of: 9 Clinical forms of glaucomas > 9.1 Developmental glaucomas)