[An investigation on the causes of blindness and low vision of students in blind school in Guangzhou]

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the underlying causes of blindness and low vision, potentially preventable and treatable causes of the students in blind school in Guangzhou.

Methods: In 2004, students in Guangzhou Blind School were examined, and WHO Prevention of Blindness Program (WHO/ PBL) Eye Examination Record for children with blindness and low vision was used.

Results: Of the 177 students (4-33 years, 13.5 average), all were blind or visually impaired severely (visual acuity, V/A, less than 0.1 in the better eye). No light perception, V/A < 0.05 and visually impaired (V/A < 0.1) were 31.1%, 54.2% and 8.5% respectively, others refused to be examined or were mental retard. The causes were retinopathy of premature infant (ROP) (37.9%), optic nerve hypoplasia, Phthisis or cause unknown, retinal degeneration (8.5%), congenital glaucoma (5.1%), congenital macular abnormal (4.5%), retinal detachment (3.9%), congenital cataract (3.9%), microphthalmos (2.8%), corneal disease (2.8%) and other causes. ROP was the most important cause (37.9%), accounting for 57.7% cases in < or =10 years group, 33.9% in < or = 15-year group, 28.6% in < or = 20-year group, 14.3% in older than 20-year group; and 52.7% in no light perception group, 31.3% in V/A < 0.05 group 63.6% in incorporated and mental retard group. 73 cases (41.2%) were with avoidable blindness and visual impairment including ROP, refractive error and amblyopia after cataract surgery, V/A in 14 cases (7.9%) could be improved after treatment.

Conclusions: Along with the improvement of health and socio-economic status, ROP become the major causes in children in recent years. Things remained to be done to eliminate childhood blindness.