DR. HAARISH ELANGO

DR.ALKA JHA, DR. VIRESHWAR PRASAD, DR. ARVIND KUMAR

Abstract

Purpose: To assess causes of Severe Visual Impairment/Blindness in Children of Blind home in North Bihar.

Methods: Study conducted during 2020-21. 60 SVI/BL children were included. History of blindness was taken, ophthalmological Examination with Torch light and Slit Lamp Examination followed by Fundus exam was done. The anatomical sites and etiology for SVI/BL were recorded using the WHO-Prevention of Blindness reporting form.

Results: According to WHO criteria,58% were blind,9.7% had SVI,9.7% had moderate visual impairment and 22.6% had no visual impairment. Commonest sites of SVI/BL were whole globe-24 and cornea-16 then uvea-6, retinal disorders-5, lens-4, optic nerve-3 and others-2.

Conclusion: 30–72% of pediatric blindness is avoidable. With proper healthcare facilities , trend changing from corneal causes to whole globe abnormalities but still a lot of effort such as timely neonatal eye care facilities, pediatric surgical services and proper refraction strategies are required.