Childhood cataract in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Investment by organizations and agencies has led to a growing body of evidence and information to assist ophthalmologists and others to meet the needs of children with cataract in Africa. The geographic distribution of research, training, and programme development across Africa has been uneven; investment has been greatest in eastern and southern Africa. Population based surveys (using key informants) suggest that 15–35% of childhood blindness is due to congenital or developmental cataract. There may be up to 82,000 children with non-traumatic cataract in Africa, with approximately 19,000 new cases each year.Effective strategies to find and refer children are those that engage the community in case detection. Identification and referral does not automatically mean surgical intervention with distance to the surgical facility being the most common reason for failure to seek care. Surgical management has become more specialized and a team based approach has been adopted by many paediatric ophthalmologists and their programmes. Although many children still present late for surgery, outcomes of surgery are much improved from previous experiences. Research suggests that post-operative follow up, still a challenge, can be improved through adoption of specific strategies. There has been limited success in ensuring that children are placed in appropriate educational settings. While eye care professionals may feel their responsibility ends with clinical care, it is important for the paediatric eye care team to be engaged with educational and rehabilitation services.