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Changing pattern of childhood blindness

R I Khan1, M O'Keefe, D Kenny

  • 1Mater Misericordiae Hospital/The Children's University Hospital, Temple Street.

Irish Medical Journal
|August 31, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Childhood blindness prevalence in Ireland increased from 1989 to 2004. While retinopathy of prematurity decreased, increases in cortical blindness and genetic causes were observed.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Childhood blindness and low vision present significant public health challenges.
  • Understanding trends and etiologies is crucial for effective intervention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the prevalence and causes of blindness and low vision in children under 16 in Ireland from 1990 to 2004.
  • To identify changes in the etiological profile of childhood visual impairment over time.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study including children diagnosed with blindness or low vision according to WHO criteria.
  • Data collection involved patient history, comprehensive ocular examinations, and investigations (CT, MRI, ultrasound, chromosomal analysis).
  • Prevalence data from 1989 and 2004 were compared, and etiologies were categorized into genetic, prenatal, perinatal, and childhood groups.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of childhood blindness and low vision increased from 0.02% in 1989 to 0.05% in 2004.
  • Genetic factors (33%), perinatal causes (26%), and structural anomalies (15.85%) were major contributors.
  • A significant decrease in blindness due to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) was noted, contrasted by an increase in cortical blindness.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood blindness and low vision prevalence has risen in Ireland.
  • Decreased ROP is attributed to improved neonatal care, while increased cortical blindness correlates with higher survival rates of preterm infants.
  • Continued surveillance and targeted interventions are necessary to address the evolving landscape of childhood visual impairment.

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