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A Method to Quantify Visual Information Processing in Children Using Eye Tracking
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A Method to Quantify Visual Information Processing in Children Using Eye Tracking

Published on: July 9, 2016

Prevalence and selected characteristics of childhood vision impairment

Cynthia A Mervis1, Coleen A Boyle, Marshalyn Yeargin-Allsopp

  • 1National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA. cmervis@cdc.gov

Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
|September 11, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Vision impairment affects 10.7 per 10,000 children in Atlanta, with many experiencing low vision or coexisting disabilities. This highlights the need for comprehensive, multidisciplinary services for affected children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Ophthalmology
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Vision impairment is a significant concern in childhood.
  • Understanding its prevalence and characteristics is crucial for effective intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the epidemiology of vision impairment in children aged 6-10 years in metropolitan Atlanta.
  • To identify demographic characteristics, prevalence rates, and associated conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of data from the Metropolitan Atlanta Developmental Disabilities Surveillance Program.
  • Inclusion of children aged 6-10 years with best corrected visual acuity of 20/70 or worse in the better eye.

Main Results:

  • Overall prevalence of vision impairment was 10.7 per 10,000 children.
  • 59% had low vision; nearly two-thirds had coexisting disabilities.
  • Educational programs varied based on impairment severity and coexisting conditions.

Conclusions:

  • Coexisting disabilities are common in children with vision impairment, underscoring the need for multidisciplinary services.
  • Accurate prevalence rates require diverse case ascertainment sources beyond vision impairment classes.

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