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Childhood blindness - Etiological risk factors as evaluated by blind schools survey in Prayagraj and surrounding districts

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Original Article

Author Details : Mayank Kumar Srivastava*, Santosh Kumar, Shammi Kapoor, Shesh Kumar Mishra

Volume : 5, Issue : 4, Year : 2019

Article Page : 517-522

https://doi.org/10.18231/j.ijceo.2019.121

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Abstract

Aim: The purpose of our study is to examine and evaluate avoidable i.e. preventable or treatable causes
and etiological risk factors responsible for childhood blindness.
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted by examining total 159 Students in four schools for
blinds and four accelerated learning camps situated in Prayagraj and three neighbouring districts - Fatehpur,
Koushambi and Pratapgarh. Basic informations including time, duration and mode of vision loss, was
obtained. Careful prenatal, natal and postnatal history was also gathered. Vision assessment was done by
snellen’s, Echarts or broken rings, student’s behaviour while walking, talking, moving head etc. Anterior
segment and fundus examination was also done. We tried to evaluate causes and it aetiogolical risk factors
responsible for childhood blindness in every blind student.
Results: In about 80% of blind children cause was, microphthalmos, Anophthalmos, Buphthalmos,
Corneal Conditions as staphyloma or scarring, uveal coloboma. Although R.O.P., R.D. and optic nerve
diseases also contributed. Four students were not requiring admission, yet admitted. Specialized teachers
were not available.
Conclusion: Approximately 80% of childhood blindness may be avoidable i.e. preventable or treatable.
Meticulous prenatal, natal and post natal care as avoiding medicines and x-rays during Ist trimesters,
harmful traditional medications, nutritional & anti infective measures, safe delivery and effective
immunization may reduce childhood blindness considerably.

Keywords: Severe visual impairment, Microphthalmos, Anopthalmos, Buphthalmos.

How to cite : Srivastava M K, Kumar S, Kapoor S, Mishra S K, Childhood blindness - Etiological risk factors as evaluated by blind schools survey in Prayagraj and surrounding districts. Indian J Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2019;5(4):517-522

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