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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
05:10
An Automated Method for Assessing Visual Acuity in Infants and Toddlers Using an Eye-Tracking System
Published on: March 17, 2023
Childhood sight impairment: a 10-year picture
J M Durnian1, R Cheeseman, A Kumar
1Department of Paediatric Ophthalmology, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Merseyside, UK.
Eye (London, England)
|February 28, 2009
Summary
Childhood blindness registrations are increasing, with cerebral visual impairment as the leading cause. A significant number of cases are preventable or treatable, highlighting the need for early intervention and improved services.
Area of Science:
- Paediatric Ophthalmology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology of Visual Impairment
Background:
- Registration of childhood visual impairment is crucial for accessing essential services.
- It represents a significant milestone for affected children and families.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze 10-year trends in childhood blindness registrations.
- To examine diagnoses, preventability, age at registration, and socioeconomic factors.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of all registered children (blind or partially sighted) over a 10-year period.
- Data collected until December 2006.
Main Results:
- 256 children registered; 58.2% male; average age 76 months.
- Cerebral visual impairment (CVI) was the most common diagnosis (27%).
- Registrations are increasing annually; 2.7% avoidable, 23.8% potentially treatable; higher deprivation scores observed.
Conclusions:
- Yearly childhood blindness registration rates show a slow increase.
- CVI remains the primary cause, with no change in its proportion.
- A substantial portion of visual impairments stem from potentially modifiable causes.
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