The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of childhood severe vision impairment (SVI)and blindness in blind schools of Himachal Pradesh. This study was carried out in 3 blind schools for children (<16 years). The vision was categorized (WHO ICD 11 classification, 2018) and the cause of vision loss was determined. A total of 96 children were examined. The main cause of SVI and blindness was congenital ocular defects (microphthalmos, anophthalmos, and coloboma in 33.33% of children). The second major cause was retinal dystrophies (20.83%) followed by optic atrophy (11.45%). The preventable and treatable causes were present in 15.63% of children attributed to vitamin A deficiency, trauma, retinopathy of prematurity, and cataract. Congenital ocular defects constituted a major cause of SVI and blindness followed by retinal dystrophies and optic atrophy. The avoidable and preventable causes of SVI and blindness were present in 1/6th of children entailing the strengthening of comprehensive eye care services, blindness preventable, and rehabilitation programs.
Read Article