Pattern Of Childhood Severe Vision Impairment And Blindness In Blind Schools Of Hilly State Of Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of childhood severe vision impairment (SVI)and blindness in blind schools of Himachal Pradesh. This study was carried out in 3 blind schools for children (<16 years). The vision was categorized (WHO ICD 11 classification, 2018) and the cause of vision loss was determined. A total of 96 children were examined. The main cause of SVI and blindness was congenital ocular defects (microphthalmos, anophthalmos, and coloboma in 33.33% of children). The second major cause was retinal dystrophies (20.83%) followed by optic atrophy (11.45%). The preventable and treatable causes were present in 15.63% of children attributed to vitamin A deficiency, trauma, retinopathy of prematurity, and cataract. Congenital ocular defects constituted a major cause of SVI and blindness followed by retinal dystrophies and optic atrophy. The avoidable and preventable causes of SVI and blindness were present in 1/6th of children entailing the strengthening of comprehensive eye care services, blindness preventable, and rehabilitation programs.