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[The currently most common causes of childhood blindness in Kinshasa (d. R. Congo)]

S Knappe1, M Schittkowski, W Schröder

  • 1Universitäts-Augenklinik Rostock, Rostock, Germany. SteffiKN74@gmx.de

Klinische Monatsblatter Fur Augenheilkunde
|July 28, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Childhood blindness is a significant issue in developing nations. This study in the Democratic Republic of Congo identified corneal opacity and phthisis bulbi as leading causes, with 60% of cases being preventable.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics

Context:

  • Childhood blindness disproportionately affects developing countries, with limited data on prevalence and causes.
  • The Democratic Republic of Congo faces a significant burden of childhood visual impairment.

Purpose:

  • To identify the most common causes of blindness in children under 16 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.
  • To assess the prevalence of blindness and visual impairment among children attending schools for the blind.

Summary:

  • A study of 81 children in Kinshasa revealed that 65.4% were blind and 13.6% visually impaired.
  • The primary causes of blindness included corneal opacity/scarring (20.0%), phthisis bulbi (15.2%), and refractive anomalies (11.0%).
  • Measles, vitamin A deficiency, trauma, and traditional eye medications are suspected contributors to corneal scarring and phthisis bulbi.

Impact:

  • Approximately 60% of childhood blindness cases in this cohort were potentially avoidable.
  • Interventions such as surgery for cataracts and preventive measures for corneal opacity, glaucoma, and refractive errors could significantly reduce childhood blindness.
Abstract

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