Screening for ophthalmic disorders and visual impairment in a Nigerian school for the deaf

To detect the presence of ophthalmic abnormalities and visual impairment in deaf students.

A cross-sectional survey of all students in the school for the deaf was conducted following ethical clearance from the Ministry of Health. Age, sex, and previous eye examination was recorded for each student as well as visual acuity, penlight eye examination, intraocular pressure, dilated funduscopy, and refraction (when applicable). Data were analyzed with SPSS version 11 and statistical significance inferred at p<0.05.

The 156 (100%) students at the school for the deaf with age range 6-25 years, mean +/- standard deviation of 15.6+/-3.3 years, and modal age of 14 years were studied. A total of 110 (70.5%) had no previous eye examination, 2 (1.3%) students were blind, 5 (3.2%) were visually impaired, 4 (2.6%) had unilateral visual impairment, and 4 (2.6%) had unilateral blindness. Blindness was caused by Usher syndrome in 1 (50%) and bilateral pigmented macular scar in 1 (50%) patient. Uncorrected refractive errors were the leading cause of unilateral visual impairment (75%), visual impairment (60%), and unilateral blindness (50%). Ocular abnormality was present in 53 (34%) students while uncorrected refractive error (18.6%), retina changes (7%), and allergic conjunctivitis (3.8%) were the leading disorders. Previous eye examination was more common among primary school students (p<0.0001) and students with ocular abnormalities (p=0.046).

Institutions for deaf children should be aware of the high prevalence of ophthalmic disorders and the importance of vision to development of a deaf child, and conduct an initial and periodic eye examination for every intake.