Abstract | BACKGROUND: There are few descriptive studies of children and adolescents with low vision in the United States. Our study describes a pediatric/adolescent population at the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired (ISVI), detailing the etiologies of low vision and the devices prescribed. METHODS: A retrospective record review was conducted of 260 consecutive students who had been examined at the twice-yearly Lions of Illinois Low Vision Clinic at ISVI between the years 1991 and 1999. Data collected included age, race, sex, best-corrected visual acuity, ocular diagnoses, the etiology of low vision (if known), and low-vision devices prescribed. RESULTS: The population was 60% male. Ages ranged from less than 1 year to 20 years of age. The mean best-corrected distance visual acuity was approximately 20/200. Optic atrophy, cataracts, and retinopathy of prematurity were significant etiologies of low vision; however, the largest group of patients had a diagnosis classified as "other." Hand-held telescopes, bifocals/high adds, and tinted lenses were the major low-vision devices prescribed. CONCLUSIONS: While optic atrophy, cataracts, and retinopathy of prematurity were common causes of vision impairment among students at ISVI, the largest group of students had an etiology from a wide range of disorders. Information on the causes of low vision can help with decisions on the allocation of research funds and resources for low-vision devices.
|
Authors | J Ingelse, G Steele |
Journal | Optometry (St. Louis, Mo.)
(Optometry)
Vol. 72
Issue 12
Pg. 761-6
(Dec 2001)
ISSN: 1529-1839 [Print] United States |
PMID | 12363249
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
|
Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Female
- Humans
- Infant
- Lenses
- Male
- Retrospective Studies
- Vision, Low
(etiology, physiopathology, rehabilitation)
- Visual Acuity
|