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Abstract #21499 Published in IGR 10-3
Childhood blindness in a rural population of southern India: Prevalence and etiology
Dorairaj SK; Bandrakalli P; Shetty C; Vathsala R; Misquith D; Ritch ROphthalmic Epidemiology 2008; 15: 176-182
PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence and etiology of childhood blindness in a rural population in southern India through a population based study. METHODS: A cross-sectional, house-to-house survey to screen for childhood blindness included 14,423 children < 16 years. Blindness was defined as best corrected visual acuity < 3/60 in the better eye. The first stage of screening for blindness was done by interns under supervision of ophthalmology residents. Senior residents examined the referred cases from the first stage. Those detected to be blind were brought to a tertiary care hospital for detailed examination. RESULTS: Fifty-four children were referred after first stage of screening of 13,241 children. Of these, 14 were bilaterally blind giving a prevalence of 1.06/1000 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.50 to 1.61); 6 (42.9%) had lens and related complications, 4 (28.6%) had globe anomalies (2 microphthalmos and 2 anophthalmos), 2 (14.3%) had retinal dystrophy and 1 (7.1%) each of glaucoma and optic atrophy. Among the parents of blind children, 71.4% (p = 0.002) had consanguineous marriage (83.3% in cataract blind children). CONCLUSIONS: More than half of the blindness detected was potentially avoidable. Genetic counseling, early identification and access to tertiary care would reduce the burden of childhood blindness in the local community.
Dr. R. Ritch, Glaucoma Services, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, 310 East 14th Street, New York, NY 10003, USA. ritchmd@earthlink.net
Classification:
1.1 Epidemiology (Part of: 1 General aspects)
9.1.2 Juvenile glaucoma (Part of: 9 Clinical forms of glaucomas > 9.1 Developmental glaucomas)
9.1.1 Congenital glaucoma, Buphthalmos (Part of: 9 Clinical forms of glaucomas > 9.1 Developmental glaucomas)
