Major Visual Impairment in Special Children

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to identify the major visual impairment among special children. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 children within 3-15 years of age group at a vision therapy centre between April-June of 2023. Results: Low visual acuity was seen in children who had a development delay of 0.79%. In 15.7% of cases of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), astigmatism was present. Nystagmus was seen in 5.8% of cases of cortical visual impairment (CVI). 9.9% of those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were unable to both accommodate and converge. In 14.0% of cases, the stereo acuity was poor. Ocular mobility was impaired in 9.1% of developmental delay cases, 14.0% of CVI cases, and 25.6% of ASD cases. Fusion was not performed well by 9.9% of ADHD patients. Suppression and diplopia were present in 25.6% of ASD cases, 14.0% of CVI cases, and 9.1% of developmental delay cases. 7.4% of ADHD patients and 12.4% of CVI patients had photophobia. 9.9% of ADHD patients and 14.0% of CVI patients were unable to perform spatial orientation. Children with developmental delays, ASD, ADHD, and CVI were more likely to be impacted and had abnormal visual function.