Retrospective Analysis of Ophthalmic Ailments in Children Attending the Child Development Unit in a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India

Abstract

AIMTo identify the various ocular ailments in children with developmental problems. MATERIALS AND METHODS418 children who attended the child development unit in a tertiary care centre during a period of 2 years from January 2014 to December 2015 were retrospectively analysed. A detailed data sheet which included their socio-demographic details, systemic ailments, ocular examination and correlations analysed. Ophthalmic examination included examination of lid and adnexa, anterior and posterior segment examination and assessment of squint and refraction. RESULTS75 (17.9%) children had history of consanguinity, 72 (17.2%) were preterm. Speech and language problem was seen in 300 (71.8%), developmental delay was the second in the list 240 (57.4%). Refractive error was the leading ocular problem found in 223 (53.35%) and the most common refractive error was hyperopia. Anisometropia in 18 (4.31%). Squint in 19 (4.55%) and nystagmus in 11 (2.6%). Though vitamin A deficiency was diagnosed as a leading cause of blindness in developing countries, xerophthalmia was noted in only 1 (0.2%) child. CONCLUSIONChildren with multi-system involvement are at high risk of visual disabilities and should not be ignored, as these children depend heavily on their vision. There is an increased risk of refractive errors, anisometropia, fusion mechanisms and accommodation and thus orthoptic and optometric support are mandatory. Ocular problems in these children are usually correctable and early diagnosis and treatment will improve their quality of life.

Ocular manifestations in children with developmental delay in an eye hospital of northern Bangladesh

“…[21][22][23][24] Refractive error (53.35%) was the most common ocular problem observed in a retrospective study of children attending child developmental unit of a tertiary hospital in Chennai where 57.4% was child of developmental delay. 25 Other visual abnormalities were nystagmus 11 (10.8%) and optic atrophy 11 (10.8%), that is comparable with the study of Banks et al who studied 200 children with developmental delay and found nystagmus 7.5% and other features like cataract, optic atrophy and retinopathy. 16 The study of Smitha et al also found 9.7% cases had optic atrophy.…”