Pattern of ocular morbidity among students in a school for visually impaired children in North India

Abstract

AIMS: The aim of this study was to identify the ocular morbidity pattern among children attending a blind school in North India and comparing the data with similar studies conducted across India and abroad. STUDY DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional observational study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed during September 2017 where 94 students attending a blind school were interviewed, and a detailed ocular examination was performed by an ophthalmologist. RESULTS: Sixty-three (67%) children were blind since birth and 29 (30.9%) had absolute blindness. Anatomical site of blindness included retinal disorders in 38 (40.42%), whole globe pathology in 20 (21.40%), optic nerve disorders in 17 (18.09%), corneal diseases in eight (8.51%), and congenital cataract in four (4.26%). A history of consanguinity among parents was reported by 12 (12.8%) students. Blindness was potentially avoidable in 22 (23.4%) children. CONCLUSION: Retinal pathologies were the most common cause for blindness in the present study. The proportion of corneal scarring and congenital cataract is decreasing and majority of cases had unavoidable or incurable blindness. Health education about consanguineous marriages, establishment of pediatric ophthalmology units across the country is essential to eliminate or minimize avoidable blindness among children.

Keywords

• avoidable blindness
• blind school survey
• childhood blindness
• retinal dystrophies