Pediatric and Adolescent Population With Visual Impairment: Study of 385 Cases

Abstract

Haddad MAO, Lobato FJC, Sampaio MW, Kara-José N. Pediatric and adolescent population with visual impairment: study of 385 cases. Clinics. 2006;61(3):239-46. OBJECTIVE:To analyze data on the pediatric population attending the Ophthalmologic Clinic's Low Vision Service at the São Paulo University Medical School. METHODS: Low vision ophthalmologic assessment, from April 1998 to December 2003, of 385 children and adolescents with mean age of 7 years; 51.7% males and 48.3% females. The main data analyzed were age, diagnosis, anatomic site of the ocular injury, visual acuity, and prescription of optical aids. RESULTS: 45.4% were below 6 years, and 54.6% were between 6 and 16 years. 35.5% experienced moderate visual impairment, 26% had severe visual impairment, 8.6% had profound visual impairment, 10.6% were near blind, and 1.6% were blind. The main causes of visual impairment included congenital glaucoma (30.6%), macular retinochoroiditis due to congenital toxoplasmosis (16.7%), congenital cataract (12.8%), retinal and macular inherited disorders (11.7%), and optic atrophy (9.8%). Among schoolage children, 52.9% received a prescription of optical aids. The most widely used optical aids for distance were 2.8 X 26 (34.4%); 4.2 X 12 (30.3%); and 6 X 17 (26.8%) telescopic systems. The most frequently prescribed optical aid for near vision was the 2x magnifying bar (33.3%). CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for prevention of primary (congenital infections), secondary (congenital glaucoma and retinopathy of prematurity), and tertiary (congenital cataract) visual impairment. The prescription of optical aids for school-age children will help them perform better at school and contribute to their social inclusion.

Health seeking behavior of the families of children with cataract attending an eye clinic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

“…Cataract remains an important cause of blindness in children as many studies around the world have shown (4)(5)(6)(7)(8) . Prevention is limited since many aspects of its etiopathogenesis are still unknown.…”

“…It is estimated that bilateral cataract is responsible for 15% of all childhood blindness in the world, with an incidence of at least 10 new cases per million people per year (3) . In Latin American countries, retinal diseases are the major causes of visual impairment and blindness in children (4)(5)(6)(7)(8) . Nevertheless, cataract still accounts for 6.4% to 12.7% of visual loss among children attending low vision services in Brazil and Chile (4,(6)(7)(8) .…”

“…In Latin American countries, retinal diseases are the major causes of visual impairment and blindness in children (4)(5)(6)(7)(8) . Nevertheless, cataract still accounts for 6.4% to 12.7% of visual loss among children attending low vision services in Brazil and Chile (4,(6)(7)(8) . Surgical intervention is indicated in the majority of total cataract in children.…”

Descrição do desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor e visual de crianças com deficiência visual

“…Os resultados mostraram que o desempenho da coordenação foi o mais comprometido no grupo experimental, o que está de acordo com os achados das pesquisas relacionadas às manifestações que ocorrem nos primeiros anos de vida e que são pobremente experimentadas (24)(25) . A deficiência visual limita a ação da criança em seu ambiente, o aprimoramento de seus atos motores e a sua vivência em atividades interativas com objetos, ou seja, altera o ambiente através do qual o processo de aprendizagem se desenvolve (14)(15)(16)26) . Segundo Glass, o impacto das alterações visuais pode interferir negativamente no estabelecimento de um contato social eficaz, uma vez que as expressões faciais, os gestos e o contato ocular têm um importante papel na comunicação e na interação social (27) .…”

Caregiver‘s assistance in the self-care functional skills in children with low vision age 2 to 3 years

“…(5) In Brazil, the leading cause of visual impairment in childhood is congenital glaucoma, followed by retinopathy of prematurity, macular retinochoroiditis for toxoplasmosis and congenital cataracts. (6,7) Albinism can lead to hypopigmentation of the eyes due to the production of melanin, which is one of the main consequences of the low vision. (8) Children with visual impairment have a late development of the functional skills of self-care and difficulty to carry out activities independently.…”