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Abstract #61027 Published in IGR 17-1
Causes of visual impairment in children seen at a university-based hospital low vision service in Brazil
de Paula CH; Vasconcelos GC; Nehemy MB; Granet DJournal of AAPOS 2015; 19: 252-256
PURPOSE: To evaluate the epidemiologic characteristics of patients 0-7 years of age with visual impairment registered at a university hospital low vision service in Brazil. METHODS: The medical records of visually impaired patients were retrospectively reviewed for sociodemographic characteristics and ocular and associated deficiencies. In addition to biographical information, the following data were collected: ocular disorders, diagnosis, affected anatomic region, etiology, and avoidable or unavoidable causes. RESULTS: A total of 229 patients were included, 65% of whom were referred from rural health centers. The mean age at first appointment was 39.4 months. Associated nonophthalmic disorders were present in 47% of patients. The most prevalent disorders were congenital cataract (14%), toxoplasmosis (14%), and congenital glaucoma (13%). The most commonly affected anatomic regions were the retina (18%) and lens (15%); 33% had a normal-appearing globe. Using World Health Organization classifications, the most prevalent underlying etiologies were undetermined (43%), perinatal/neonatal factors (22%), and intrauterine factors (20%). Avoidable causes were found in 64% of the children. CONCLUSIONS: The three leading causes of infant blindness in our patient cohort were congenital cataract, toxoplasmosis, and congenital glaucoma. The most commonly affected anatomic regions were retina, lens, and normal-appearing globe. The percentage of avoidable causes of impairment was high and the mean age at first appointment was late.
Pediatric Low Vision Division, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Full articleClassification:
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)
