Posters

Vision 2020: right to sight – ocular morbidity patterns among children in school for the blind in Baku, Azerbaijan (0.25 diopter vs 0.50 diopter)

Poster Details

First Author: R.Hasanova AZERBAIJAN

Co Author(s):    H. Nigar                    

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To identify the morbidity patterns causing blindness in children attending school for the blind in Baku, Azerbaijan and comparing our data with similar studies done previously.

Setting:

Zarifa Aliyeva National Eye Center, Baku, Azerbaijan.

Methods:

A cross-sectional prevalence study was carried out in the school for the blind in Baku. Blind school was visited by a team of ophthalmologists. A total of 150 students up to 16 years of age were examined. Students with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) worse than 3/60 in the better eye were included and relevant history was noted. Every student underwent anterior segment evaluation and detailed fundus examination. Morbidity of the better eye was taken as cause of blindness. Health records maintained by the school were referred to wherever available.

Results:

The anatomical causes of blindness include optic nerve disorders in 21 (14%) cases, retinal disorders in 36(24%), corneal disorders in 12 (8%), lens-related disorders in 18 (12%), congenital anomalies in 11 (7.3%), congenital glaucoma in 14 (9.3%), refractive problems in 18 (12%), ROP in 11 (7.3%), and oculocutaneous albinism in 7 (4.7%) cases. 21(14%) patients has a history of bilndness in the family.85 (56,7%) patients were born in relative marriages.

Conclusions:

It was found that avoidable causes of blindness were seen in 31.3% of cases and incurable causes in 42.7%. Optic nerve atrophy and retinal dystrophy are the emerging causes of blindness, underlining the need for genetic counseling and low vision rehabilitation centers, along with a targeted approach for avoidable causes of blindness.

Financial Disclosure:

None