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The pattern of childhood blindness in Karnataka, South India

Parikshit Gogate1, H Kishore, Kuldeep Dole

  • 1Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology, H.V. Desai Eye Hospital, Pune, India. parikshitgogate@hotmail.com

Ophthalmic Epidemiology
|October 31, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Congenital anomalies, corneal scarring, and retinal disorders are leading causes of childhood blindness in southern India. Many cases could be prevented or treated with timely interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Childhood blindness remains a significant public health issue in many developing countries.
  • Understanding the etiological factors is crucial for implementing effective prevention and management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the primary causes of severe visual impairment and blindness among children in schools for the blind in southern Karnataka, India.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted on 891 children under 16 years with visual acuity < 6/60.
  • Ophthalmic examinations included visual acuity, refraction, and fundoscopy.
  • Etiological and anatomical causes were classified using the WHO prevention of blindness record system.

Main Results:

  • Congenital anomalies (35.7%), retinal disorders (19.9%), corneal conditions (14.9%), and cataract/aphakia (11.4%) were the major causes of visual loss.
  • Approximately 27.8% of children were blind from preventable or treatable conditions.
  • Interventions like surgery, low vision devices, and refraction showed potential benefits for some children.

Conclusions:

  • Congenital anomalies, cataract, and retinal conditions are the predominant causes of blindness in this pediatric population.
  • A significant proportion of blindness is attributable to conditions amenable to prevention or treatment.
  • Targeted interventions are essential to reduce the burden of childhood blindness.
Abstract

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