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Prevalence and causes of low vision in a population-based study on childhood visual impairment in North India (CHVI
Meenakshi Wadhwani1, Praveen Vashist2, Suraj S Senjam2
1Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalya, New Delhi, India.
Insights
The prevalence of low vision in children under 16 in North India was found to be 0.62 per 1,000. Retinal abnormalities were the primary cause, highlighting the need for awareness of low-vision devices (LVDs).
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Vision
- Public Health
Background:
- Low vision in children presents a significant challenge to visual development and quality of life.
- Understanding the prevalence and etiological factors of pediatric low vision is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and causes of low vision in children under 16 years in North India.
- To compare findings with existing global and national population-based studies.
Main Methods:
- A population-based, cross-sectional study conducted in 40 urban clusters in Delhi.
- Visual acuity screening for children under 16, with referred cases undergoing detailed ophthalmic examination, including cycloplegic refraction and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA).
Main Results:
- Out of 20,955 children screened, 789 were referred for examination.
- The overall prevalence of functional low vision (FLV) was 0.62 per 1,000 children.
- Retinal abnormalities were identified as the main anatomical cause of low vision.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of low vision in children has decreased compared to previous studies.
- There is a critical need to raise parental awareness regarding the timely and appropriate use of affordable low-vision devices (LVDs) to enhance visual function.
Purpose:
The present study was a population-based study to determine the prevalence and causes of low vision in children less than 16 years in North India.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted in 40 clusters of urban Delhi. Children aged less than 16 years underwent visual acuity screening using age-appropriate visual acuity charts. All children with visual acuity of <6/12 in any eye in the age group between 3 and 15 years and inability to follow the light in age less than 3 years were referred for detailed ophthalmic examination in a centrally based clinic. Cycloplegic examination and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were assessed. They were examined by an ophthalmologist to determine the prevalence and causes of functional low vision (FLV). The prevalence of FLV was compared with other population-based studies across India and other parts of the world.
Results:
Amongst 20,955 children examined for visual acuity, 789 children were referred to the central clinic for detailed ophthalmic examination. The overall prevalence of low vision was 0.62 per 1,000 children (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.12-1.90). The main anatomical cause of low vision was retinal abnormalities.
Conclusion:
Although the prevalence of children with low vision decreased as compared to previous population-based studies. There is an important need to create awareness among parents on appropriate and timely usage of low-vision devices (LVDs) at an affordable cost to improve the visual quality in children with low vision.
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