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Causes of visual impairment in children: a study of 3,210 cases
Maria Aparecida Onuki Haddad1, Mayumi Sei, Marcos Wilson Sampaio
1University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil.
Insights
The leading causes of childhood visual impairment in Brazil include toxoplasmic macular retinochoroiditis and retinal dystrophies. Optic atrophy is a major cause in children with multiple disabilities, highlighting the need for prevention and rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Childhood visual impairment presents a significant challenge in Latin America.
- Understanding the etiological factors is crucial for effective intervention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the primary causes of visual impairment in children.
- To analyze these causes in children with and without associated disabilities.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of 3,210 visually impaired children was conducted.
- Data were collected from the Low Vision Service at the University of São Paulo and Laramara.
Main Results:
- In visually impaired children, toxoplasmic macular retinochoroiditis (20.7%) and retinal dystrophies (12.2%) were most common. Optic atrophy (37.7%) and cortical visual impairment (19.7%) predominated in children with multiple disabilities.
- The retina was the most affected site in visually impaired children (49.2%), while the optic nerve was most affected in those with multiple disabilities (39%).
Conclusions:
- Prevention and visual rehabilitation strategies are essential for addressing childhood blindness in Latin America.
- Tailored interventions are needed based on the specific etiological factors and presence of associated disabilities.
Purpose:
To determine causes of visual impairment in children at the Low Vision Service of the Ophthalmic Clinic at the University of São Paulo and at the Brazilian Association for the Visually Impaired People (Laramara), located in São Paulo, Brazil.
Patients And Methods:
This study evaluated 3,210 visually impaired children (49% female, 51% male; average age, 5.9 years). Visual impairment was present in 57% (visually impaired group) and 43% presented another associated disability (multiple disability group).
Results:
The main causes of visual impairment in the visually impaired group were toxoplasmic macular retinochoroiditis (20.7%), retinal dystrophies (12.2%), retinopathy of prematurity (11.8%), ocular malformation (11.6%), congenital glaucoma (10.8%), optic atrophy (9.7%), and congenital cataracts (7.1%). The main causes of visual impairment in the multiple disability group were optic atrophy (37.7%), cortical visual impairment (19.7%), toxoplasmic macular retinochoroiditis (8.6%), retinopathy of prematurity (7.6%), ocular malformation (6.8%), congenital cataracts (6.1%), and degenerative disorders of the retina and macula (4.8%). The retina was the most frequently affected anatomic site in the visually impaired group (49.2%) and the optic nerve in the multiple disability group (39%).
Conclusion:
Primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention efforts for childhood blindness and visual rehabilitation must be considered in Latin America.
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