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Visual impairment in severe and profound sensorineural deafness
I M Armitage1, J P Burke, J T Buffin
1Sheffield Children's Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology and Orthoptics, Western Bank.
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Children with severe and profound sensorineural deafness often experience visual impairment, impacting development. Early ophthalmic screening is crucial for all deaf children, as many cases occur without identifiable risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Audiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Subnormal vision in deaf children can hinder educational and social progress.
- Severe and profound sensorineural deafness may coexist with visual impairments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of visual impairment in children with severe to profound sensorineural deafness.
- To assess the incidence and severity of visual impairment in this population.
Main Methods:
- Ophthalmic assessment of 83 children with severe/profound sensorineural deafness.
- Criteria for visual impairment included visual acuity < 6/9 Snellen and/or abnormal binocular vision.
Main Results:
- 34.9% of children had visual impairment.
- 44% of visual impairment cases occurred in children without identified risk factors.
- Children with multiple handicaps showed a higher likelihood of visual impairment.
Conclusions:
- Routine ophthalmic examination is recommended for all children diagnosed with severe to profound sensorineural deafness.
- Visual impairment screening should occur soon after diagnosis due to potential developmental impacts.