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Characteristics of the pediatric/adolescent low-vision population at the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired.

AbstractBACKGROUND:
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.
AuthorsJ Ingelse, G Steele
JournalOptometry (St. Louis, Mo.) (Optometry) Vol. 72 Issue 12 Pg. 761-6 (Dec 2001) ISSN: 1529-1839 [Print] United States
PMID12363249 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
Topics
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Lenses
  • Male
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Vision, Low (etiology, physiopathology, rehabilitation)
  • Visual Acuity

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