Childhood blindness in Lebanon

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Genetics
• Public Health

Background:

• Childhood blindness presents a significant public health challenge globally.
• Understanding the etiological factors of childhood blindness is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
• Lebanon, a developing nation, faces unique challenges in addressing hereditary eye diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and causes of childhood blindness in Lebanese schools for the blind.
• To identify the genetic basis of hereditary blindness in the Lebanese population.
• To compare the etiological profile of childhood blindness in Lebanon with other countries.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted in schools for the blind across Lebanon.
• Data on the causes of blindness were collected and analyzed.
• Etiological factors were categorized, with a focus on genetic determinants.

Main Results:

• Genetically determined conditions accounted for 77% of childhood blindness in Lebanon.
• Autosomal recessive disorders were responsible for two-thirds of hereditary blindness cases.
• High rates of consanguineous marriages were identified as a contributing factor.

Conclusions:

• Genetic factors play a predominant role in childhood blindness in Lebanon.
• Consanguinity significantly contributes to the high frequency of autosomal recessive hereditary blindness.
• The etiological pattern of childhood blindness in Lebanon shares similarities with Cyprus, reflecting shared developmental contexts.