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Ophthalmologic screening of deaf students in Oregon
M V Brinks1, W H Murphey, W Cardwell
1Department of Ophthalmology and Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health Sciencs University, Portland, USA.
Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Deaf students in Oregon have a high rate of eye disease, including Usher syndrome. Enhanced ophthalmologic surveillance is crucial for early diagnosis and improved quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Genetics
- Public Health
Background:
- Deaf students often have co-occurring ocular conditions.
- Usher syndrome is a leading cause of combined vision and hearing loss.
- Ophthalmologic surveillance in this population is not well-defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine the prevalence of Usher syndrome and other eye diseases in deaf students in Oregon.
- Assess current ophthalmologic surveillance practices for this group.
- Emphasize screening for Usher syndrome.
Main Methods:
- Prospective visual screening of 231 deaf students (ages 10-21) in Oregon schools (1980-1990).
- Utilized ophthalmic questionnaires, comprehensive eye exams, and electroretinography.
- Analyzed findings for visual loss etiology, severity, and ophthalmologic follow-up.
Main Results:
- Significant ocular pathology found in 48% of students (111/231).
- Common diagnoses included congenital rubella (21%), uncorrected ametropia (16%), and ocular hypertension (9%).
- Five students were diagnosed with Usher syndrome; only 37% with pathology received regular ophthalmologist care.
Conclusions:
- Deaf students exhibit a high frequency of eye disease.
- Early detection and treatment of ocular conditions can significantly improve student well-being.
- The study highlighted the need for improved eye care and ophthalmologic surveillance for deaf students in Oregon.