Blindness from bilateral bullous retinal detachment: tragedy of a Nigerian family

To present a scourge of blindness possibly due to an inherited condition causing retinal detachment in 3 siblings

In February 2004, three siblings from a monogamous family from Ipetu-Ijesha in Osun state, Nigerian presented to the author consecutively with history of visual impairment/ blindness. A detailed history and comprehensive ocular examination was conducted on each of them. Information obtained included patients demographic, family history of blindness, eye diseases and other medical conditions. Visual acuity assessment, slit lamp examination, direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy, intra-ocular pressure measurement, visual field test and systemic evaluation were conducted on each of the patients.

Two males and a female patient from the same parents who were systemically healthy are reported. Their ages were 67 years, 58 years and 52 years respectively. Each presented with bilaterally poor vision ranging from 6/36 to no light perception, intra-ocular pressure ranging between 6 and 18mmHg and bilateral grayish white bullous retinal detachment.

The mode of inheritance in these patients was most probably autosomal dominant or X-linked recessive. Ignorance and poverty causing failure to seek prompt specialize eye care were responsible for blindness in these siblings.