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https://hdl.handle.net/2440/57470
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Type: | Journal article |
Title: | A survey of visual impairment and blindness in children attending seven schools for the blind in Myanmar |
Author: | Muecke, J. Hammerton, M. Aung, Y. Warrier, S. Kong, A. Morse, A. Holmes, M. Yapp, M. Hamilton, C. Selva-Nayagam, D. |
Citation: | Ophthalmic Epidemiology, 2009; 16(6):370-377 |
Publisher: | Informa Healthcare |
Issue Date: | 2009 |
ISSN: | 0928-6586 1744-5086 |
Statement of Responsibility: | James Muecke, Michael Hammerton, Yee Yee Aung, Sunil Warrier, Aimee Kong, Anna Morse, Martin Holmes, Michael Yapp, Carolyn Hamilton, and Dinesh Selva |
Abstract: | Purpose: To determine the causes of visual impairment and blindness amongst children in schools for the blind in Myanmar; to identify the avoidable causes of visual impairment and blindness; and to provide spectacles, low vision aids, orientation and mobility training and ophthalmic treatment where indicated. Methods: Two hundred and eight children under 16 years of age from all 7 schools for the blind in Myanmar were examined and the data entered into the World Health Organization Prevention of Blindness Examination Record for Childhood Blindness (WHO/PBL ERCB). Results: One hundred and ninety nine children (95.7%) were blind (BL = Visual Acuity [VA] < 3/60 in the better eye) and 3 had severe visual impairment (SVI = VA < 6/60 to 3/60 in the better eye). Most children had corneal abnormalities as the major anatomical site of SVI/BL (100, 49.5%), however the cause of SVI/BL was unknown in the majority (88, 43.6%). Measles keratitis was the commonest identifiable cause (17.4%) and 88 children had avoidable causes of SVI/BL (43.6%). Nearly 16% of children required an optical device and 24.2% required medical attention, with a potential for visual improvement through intervention in 15.8%. Conclusion: Nearly half of the children in schools for the blind in Myanmar had potentially avoidable causes of SVI/BL. With measles being both the commonest identifiable and commonest avoidable cause, the data supports the need for a measles immunization campaign. There is also a need for a dedicated pediatric eye care center with regular ophthalmology visits to the schools, and improved optometric, low vision and orientation and mobility services in Myanmar. |
Keywords: | children blindness myanmar survey |
Rights: | Copyright © 2009 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc. |
DOI: | 10.3109/09286580903312269 |
Published version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/09286580903312269 |
Appears in Collections: | Aurora harvest Opthalmology & Visual Sciences publications |
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