Factors affecting the visual outcome of pediatric cataract surgery: a hospital based prospective study in eastern...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Public Health
• Pediatric Medicine

Background:

• Childhood blindness is a global health priority, with the World Health Organization (WHO) aiming for elimination of avoidable blindness.
• Congenital cataract is a major cause of treatable childhood blindness in developing nations, including Nepal.
• Previous surveys indicated congenital cataract as a significant contributor to childhood blindness in Nepal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the epidemiology of childhood blindness in Nepal.
• To assess the prevalence and trends of childhood blindness, with a focus on cataract.
• To inform strategies for the control and prevention of childhood blindness.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from the Nepal Blindness Survey (1978-1980).
• Review of findings from the Epidemiology of Blindness in Nepal 2012 survey.
• Comparative analysis of childhood blindness prevalence over time.

Main Results:

• Congenital cataract accounted for 16.3% of childhood blindness in the 1978-1980 survey.
• The prevalence of childhood blindness in Nepal decreased from 0.68% in 1981 to 0.4% in 2011.
• Cataract remains a leading cause of treatable childhood blindness.

Conclusions:

• Despite a reduction in overall childhood blindness prevalence, cataract remains a critical issue in Nepal.
• Continued focus on controlling and treating childhood cataract is essential for achieving global blindness elimination goals.
• Public health initiatives must address treatable causes like cataract to further reduce childhood blindness in Nepal.