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Trends in childhood visual impairment. Insights from a 10-year retrospective study at Alder Hey Children's Hospital
Salma Babiker1, Derek McPhee2, Rutika Dodeja2
1Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK. salmazaroog@gmail.com.
Insights
Childhood visual impairment registrations increased by 50% from 2010-2019, with more cases of milder impairment and cerebral visual impairment noted. Optic atrophy is a leading cause.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Childhood visual impairment (CVI) impacts development and requires accurate registration for resource allocation.
- Previous studies have documented CVI trends, but recent data is needed to understand current patterns.
- Alder Hey Eye Clinic serves a diverse population, making it a key site for monitoring CVI trends.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in childhood certificate of visual impairment (CVI) registrations from 2010-2019.
- To compare current CVI registration data with a previous cohort from 1997-2006.
- To identify demographic and clinical factors associated with CVI in children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of children registered as sight impaired (SI) or severely sight impaired (SSI) between 2010-2019.
- Extraction of demographic and clinical data, including age, gender, ethnicity, and visual acuity.
- Comparative analysis with a previously published cohort (1997-2006).
Main Results:
- A 50% increase in CVI registrations was observed (384 children in 2010-2019 vs. 256 in 1997-2006).
- The proportion of White British children decreased, while certifications for milder visual impairment (SI) increased.
- Cerebral visual impairment (CVI) rose to 33.9%, with optic atrophy identified as a leading cause.
Conclusions:
- Childhood visual impairment registrations are increasing, particularly milder cases.
- Cerebral visual impairment and optic atrophy are significant causes of registered visual impairment in children.
- Findings align with national trends, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and support services.
Purpose:
To describe trends in childhood certificate of visual impairment (CVI) registrations over a 10-year period (2010-2019) at Alder Hey Eye Clinic, a tertiary centre serving Merseyside and parts of Wales, and to compare findings with a previously published cohort (1997-2006).
Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed records of children registered as sight impaired (SI) or severely sight impaired (SSI) between 2010 and 2019, extracting demographic and clinical data. We conducted a comparative analysis against the published report describing the 1997-2006 registered cohort.
Results:
384 children were certified between 2010 and 2019, representing a 50% increase from 256 in 1997-2006. The median age at registration was 73.9 months (IQR 13-106), comparable to the earlier cohort (76 months, range 1-192). Gender distribution remained stable (57.8% vs. 58.2% male, P = 0.9). The proportion of White British children declined (80% vs. 94%, P < 0.05). Certification as SI increased from 48% to 62.8% (P < 0.05). The new cohort showed wide variation in visual acuity (VA) (median 1.0 logMAR, IQR 0.9-3.4). 52% had VA of 1.0 logMAR or worse, whereas 15% had VA ≤ 0.4 logMAR but qualified due to visual field or higher-order deficits. Of the earlier cohort, 47% had VA of 1.0 logMAR or worse. Cerebral visual impairment increased from 27% to 33.9% (P = 0.06), while other causes remained stable.
Conclusions:
The number of registered children increased, particularly among those with milder impairment. Cerebral visual impairment and optic atrophy were leading causes of registration between 2010 and 2019, mirroring national trends.
