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Prevalence and causes of childhood blindness in India: A systematic review

Meenakshi Wadhwani1, Praveen Vashist1, Suraj Senjam Singh1

  • 1Dr Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, AIIMS, New Delhi, India.

Indian Journal of Ophthalmology
|January 21, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Childhood blindness prevalence in India is shifting from corneal issues to whole globe abnormalities. Enhanced neonatal eye care and pediatric surgical services are crucial for prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Childhood blindness significantly impacts a child's psychological and social development.
  • Vision 2020-Right To Sight prioritizes addressing childhood blindness.
  • Understanding prevalence and causes is essential for effective intervention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the prevalence and causes of childhood blindness in India.
  • To identify trends in the etiological factors of childhood blindness.
  • To highlight areas for improved eye care services for children.

Main Methods:

  • Extensive literature search for studies on childhood blindness prevalence and causes from 1990 onwards.
  • Inclusion of community-based and blind school studies across India.
  • Manual cross-referencing and expert consultation to supplement data.

Main Results:

  • Five community-based prevalence studies, including two on refractive errors, were identified for children under 16.
  • Blind school studies indicate a shift in causes from corneal conditions to whole globe abnormalities.
  • Despite healthcare advancements, significant challenges remain in addressing childhood blindness.

Conclusions:

  • The causes of childhood blindness are evolving, necessitating updated intervention approaches.
  • Timely neonatal eye care, pediatric surgical services, and effective refraction strategies are critical.
  • Continued efforts are required to reduce the burden of childhood blindness in India.

Keywords:
Childhood blindnessocular morbidityprevalencevisual impairment

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