Visual loss in a school for the blind in Nigeria.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

There are an estimated 1.4 million blind children worldwide, it has been observed that almost 90% of the so-called blind population (children inclusive) do not have total loss of visual function, but retain a degree of usable residual vision. The study aims to determined the sites and causes of visual loss in the students of a school for the blind in Nigeria, and also the proportion of those students who could benefit from low vision devices.

METHODS:

Forty-five students of the school were examined using the standard World Health Organization/Prevention of blindness examination record for childhood blindness. Refraction and assessment for low vision devices were conducted, where necessary.

RESULTS:

Glaucoma/buphthalmos (22.2%) and corneal lesions (20%) were the major causes of vision loss. Six students (13.3%) benefited from spectacles and/or low vision devices.

CONCLUSION:

Glaucoma/buphthalmos is assuming great significance in this study population, though most of the causes of vision loss are avoidable (77.7%). There is need for low vision service in the schools for the blind in South East Nigeria.

• Authors: O I Okoye, A E Aghaji, I N Ikojo
• Journal: Nigerian journal of medicine : journal of the National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria (Niger J Med) 2009 Jul-Sep Vol. 18 Issue 3 Pg. 306-10 ISSN: 1115-2613 [Print] Nigeria
• PMID: 20120652 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Blindness (epidemiology, etiology, rehabilitation)
• Cross-Sectional Studies
• Education, Special
• Eyeglasses
• Female
• Health Services Needs and Demand
• Humans
• Male
• Nigeria (epidemiology)
• Schools
• Students (statistics & numerical data)
• Vision Screening (methods)
• Vision, Low (epidemiology, etiology, rehabilitation)
• Visually Impaired Persons (rehabilitation, statistics & numerical data)
• Young Adult