UNIOCULAR CHILDHOOD BLINDNESS - A PROSPECTIVE-STUDY

Purpose: This prospective study examines uniocular blindness among chi ldren younger than 16 attending a large pediatric ophthalmology depart ment. The aim was to identify the causes of uniocular blindness and de termine how much is preventable. We defined blindness according to the World Health Organization definition of vision worse than or equal to 3/60. Methods: All children who attended the department and were blin d in one eye during the period of the study were included. A history w as taken, visual acuity was assessed by an age-appropriate method, and an ocular examination was carried out, When necessary, the child also was seen by an orthoptist or pediatrician. Results: A total of 71 pat ients were identified. At the time of diagnosis, the patients varied i n age from a few weeks to 15 years. The causes were classified into on e of the following diagnostic categories: chromosomal/genetic (8.5%), prenatal (47.9%), perinatal (7.0%), or childhood (36.6%). Many cases a re prenatal in origin and are not preventable. Other causes that are d ifficult to prevent include retinoblastoma, toxocariasis, and trauma. One cause, amblyopia, may be preventable or treatable in most instance s if detected early. Conclusions: Most cases of uniocular blindness ar e not preventable; however, protective glasses should be encouraged to prevent injury to the goad eye.