Emerging trends in childhood blindness and ocular morbidity in India: the Pavagada Pediatric Eye Disease Study 2

Kemmanu, Vasudha; Giliyar, Subramanya K.; Shetty, Bhujang; Singh, Arvind Kumar; Kumaramanickavel, Govindasamy; McCarty, Catherine A.

doi:10.1038/s41433-018-0142-z

Cited by 15 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 26 publications

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“…Eight thousand five hundred and fifty-three children were examined. The prevalence of ocular morbidity was 6.54% (CI, 6.01-7.06) and blindness was 0.09% (CI, 0.03-0.16) (Kemmanu et al 2018). The prevalence of diseases with a potential genetic etiology was 0.41% (CI, 0.29-0.57).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 98%

Consanguinity and its association with visual impairment in southern India: the Pavagada Pediatric Eye Disease Study 2

et al. 2018

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To determine the association of consanguinity with the occurrence of genetically transmitted eye diseases in rural and urban populations in Pavagada and Madhugiri taluks, Karnataka state, south India. This study was part of a population based crosssectional prevalence survey, BThe Pavagada pediatric eye disease study 2.^As a part of the demographic data, trained investigators collected information on consanguinity from the parents of children identified for the study. The children underwent visual acuity measurements and were examined by an ophthalmologist. Children with minor eye diseases were treated and those with major eye diseases were seen by a pediatric ophthalmologist. Eight thousand five hundred and fifty-three children were examined. The prevalence of ocular morbidity was 6.54% and blindness was 0.09%. The percentage of consanguineously married couples in the screened population was 34.33%. Among the blind children, 75% were blind with a disease with potential genetic etiology. Out of that, 66.67% were born out of consanguineous marriage (uncle-niece). Among children with diseases with a potential genetic etiology 54.29% of the children were born out of consanguineous union. Most of these children (71.43%) were born out of uncle-niece marriages. Further analysis showed that consanguineous parents were more likely to have children with disease with a potential genetic etiology as compared to nonconsanguineous parents (odds ratio: 2.551, p = 0.012). It is evident that consanguineous marriages, especially uncle-niece unions are common in the study area. Consanguinity is more likely to result in children with eye diseases with potential genetic etiology.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 98%

Consanguinity and its association with visual impairment in southern India: the Pavagada Pediatric Eye Disease Study 2

et al. 2018

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“…There is a definite change in the pattern of childhood blindness in India; the shift has been from cornea (preventable) as the main cause of blindness to unavoidable causes like whole globe anomalies and retinal pathologies. [ 1 ] This could be because of the vitamin A supplementation program initiated by the Government of India which has led to a decrease in vitamin A deficiency disorders, particularly blindness. [ 2 ] Population-based studies are the gold standard for obtaining data on the prevalence, distribution, and determinants of blindness which would help in setting up appropriate health care delivery.…”

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confidence: 99%

Clinical profile and error of inclusion and exclusion in schools for the blind in Bangalore and a review of literature

Kemmanu

Tayde

Venkatesh

et al. 2021

Indian Journal of Ophthalmology

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Purpose: To determine the causes of severe visual impairment and blindness in children in schools for the blind in the city of Bangalore, Karnataka and to determine the error of inclusion and exclusion from these schools. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Children in four schools for the blind were subjected to a detailed ophthalmic evaluation. The World Health Organization Program for Prevention of Blindness low-vision form was used to collect data. To know the educational background of children with visual disability of 40% or more (best-corrected visual acuity of ≤6/24 in the better eye), not in schools for the blind, we collected data by telephonic conversation after procuring their phone numbers from our low-vision clinic. Results: One-hundred-seventy-eight children were examined. The major site of anomaly causing blindness in 31% of children was optic nerve, followed by retina (24%), cornea (23%), and whole globe (22%). Avoidable blindness was 35.42%. Thirteen percent of the children with no visual disability were incorrectly enrolled in blind schools. We were able to contact 92 children with a visual disability of ≥40%. Seventy-eight children (84.78%) attended regular schools; these schools were bereft of a specially trained teacher to look after the needs of the blind. Conclusion: Avoidable blindness is still a cause for concern. Children should undergo eye-examination before being enrolled in schools for the blind to avoid errors of inclusion. Though integrated education for children with vision disability is a good approach, it requires teachers trained in teaching skills particular to blindness. Education for the visually impaired in India needs a major revision.

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“…In addition, UNICEF supported the measles–rubella vaccination for approximately 550, 000 children in response to the Yangon measles outbreak. Other recent childhood blindness studies performed in Asia have also found whole globe anomalies to be the main cause of blindness including India (25%),[ 9 ] Lao (30.4%),[ 10 ] and Bhutan (20%). [ 10 ] Corneal opacities, however, still remains the most common site of abnormality in sub-Saharan Africa and areas of extreme deprivation.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A survey of visual impairment and blindness in children attending eight schools for the blind in Myanmar: An update

Huang

Sun

Mallipatna

et al. 2021

Indian Journal of Ophthalmology

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Purpose: To determine the causes of visual impairment (VI) and blindness among children in schools for the blind in Myanmar; to identify the avoidable causes of VI and blindness; to provide spectacles, low-vision aids, and ophthalmic treatment where indicated; to provide an update of the 2007 survey performed and identify any major epidemiological changes. Methods: Two hundred and ninety children under 16 years of age from all eight schools for the blind in Myanmar were examined and the data entered into the World Health Organization Prevention of Blindness Examination Record for Childhood Blindness. Results: In total, 271 children (93.4%) were blind (visual acuity [VA] <3/60 in the better eye) and 15 (5.17%) had severe visual impairment (SVI = VA <6/60 to 3/60 in the better eye). Most children had whole globe as the major anatomical site of SVI or blindness (105, 36.6%). The cause was unknown in the majority of these (155, 54.0%). One hundred and twelve children had avoidable causes of blindness and SVI (39.0%). Forty children (13.9%) required an optical device and 10.1% required surgical or medical attention, with a potential for visual improvement through intervention in 3.48%. Conclusion: In all, 39.0% of children had potentially avoidable causes of SVI and blindness with cataracts and measles being the commonest causes. This follow-up survey performed after the first one completed in Myanmar in 2007 demonstrates a change in the major site of abnormality from the cornea to whole globe and a reduction in avoidable blindness but highlights the ongoing burden of measles.

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Emerging trends in childhood blindness and ocular morbidity in India: the Pavagada Pediatric Eye Disease Study 2

Cited by 15 publications

References 26 publications

Consanguinity and its association with visual impairment in southern India: the Pavagada Pediatric Eye Disease Study 2

Consanguinity and its association with visual impairment in southern India: the Pavagada Pediatric Eye Disease Study 2

Clinical profile and error of inclusion and exclusion in schools for the blind in Bangalore and a review of literature

A survey of visual impairment and blindness in children attending eight schools for the blind in Myanmar: An update

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