Dr.ANUJ KUMAR PATHAK, P20154
Introduction: Blindness in children is a lifelong affair. Data regarding pattern and incidence of childhood blindness from this region of India is still lacking.
Aim: To estimate the prevalence and pattern of Childhood blindness.
Material and method: Prospective study was conducted during April 2017 to March 2018. 22103 children below 16 years were included in this study. Childhood blindness was classified using UNICEF Criteria.
Results: Boys (58.8%) outnumbered girls (41.7%). Urban background (60.7%) children predominated in the study. Childhood cataract was responsible in 7.7%. Refractive error (71.56%), congenital and developmental anomaly (13.4%) followed by malnutrition & vitamin A deficiency (5.6%), ocular injury (4.4%) were the common causes of blindness.
Conclusion: Incidence of childhood blindness was 21.1% with bilateral blindness in 1.7% of children. Regular check up and population study is necessary to identify the cause and changing pattern of childhood blindness.
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