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The epidemiology of childhood blindness and severe visual impairment in Indonesia

Mohammad Muhit1,2, Tasneem Karim1,2, Johurul Islam1,2

  • 1Asian Institute of Disability and Development (AIDD), University of South Asia, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|February 14, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Childhood blindness is a significant issue in Indonesia, with high rates of blindness and severe visual impairment (BL/SVI) found in Sumba and Yogyakarta. A large majority of these cases are avoidable, highlighting the need for preventative and treatable interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • The prevalence and causes of childhood blindness in Indonesia were previously unknown.
  • Childhood blindness significantly impacts public health and requires urgent investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the magnitude and aetiology of childhood blindness in Sumba and Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
  • To provide data for developing targeted interventions for childhood visual impairment.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study assessed children aged 0-15 years in Sumba and Yogyakarta.
  • WHO protocols were used for ophthalmological assessment and classification of visual impairment and blindness.
  • Key informants, special schools, and rehabilitation programs identified study participants.

Main Results:

  • Out of 195 children, 113 had blindness/severe visual impairment (BL/SVI).
  • The leading causes of BL/SVI were lens (31.0%), retina (11.5%), and cornea (8.0%) issues.
  • A significant 77.8% of BL/SVI cases were avoidable (69.0% treatable, 8.8% preventable).
  • Estimated prevalence of BL/SVI was 0.25/1000 in Sumba and 0.23/1000 in Yogyakarta.
  • An estimated 17,241 children in Indonesia have BL/SVI, with 4,270 blind due to cataract.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood blindness and severe visual impairment (BL/SVI) are prevalent in Sumba and Yogyakarta.
  • A substantial proportion of childhood BL/SVI in Indonesia is avoidable, emphasizing the potential for prevention and treatment.
Abstract

Keywords:
child health (paediatrics)epidemiologyeye (globe)public healthvision

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