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Profile of childhood blindness and low vision in Yemen: a hospital-based study

M A Bamashmus1, S A Al-Akily

  • 1Eye Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen. bamashmus@y.net.ye

Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal = La Revue De Sante De La Mediterranee Orientale = Al-Majallah Al-Sihhiyah Li-Sharq Al-Mutawassit
|August 28, 2010
PubMed

Insights

In Yemen, a study found that 4.1% of children under 16 were bilaterally blind and 10.4% unilaterally blind. Leading causes included cataract, glaucoma, and retinal disorders, highlighting the need for blindness prevention programs.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Childhood blindness and low vision pose significant public health challenges globally.
  • Understanding the specific causes and prevalence in different regions is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency and etiological factors of low vision and blindness in children under 16 years old in Sana'a, Yemen.
  • To provide data for the development of effective blindness prevention strategies in the region.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective review of patient records from an ophthalmic practice in Sana'a, Yemen.
  • Data collected for children aged less than 16 years between January and December 2001.

Main Results:

  • Out of 1104 children, 4.1% had bilateral blindness and 10.4% had unilateral blindness.
  • 4.3% had bilateral visual impairment and 9.9% had unilateral visual impairment.
  • Key causes of bilateral blindness included cataract, glaucoma, and retinal disorders; common causes of bilateral low vision were refractive errors, keratoconus, and retinal disorders.

Conclusions:

  • Cataract, glaucoma, and retinal disorders are major causes of childhood blindness in Yemen.
  • Refractive errors and keratoconus significantly contribute to low vision in children.
  • The findings underscore the necessity of implementing targeted blindness prevention programs in Yemen.

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