Causes of Low Vision and Visual Outcome after Using Low Vision Devices in Sudanese Children

ABSTRACT

Aims: To determine the main causes of low vision in Sudanese children; evaluate low vision services provided to them and to assess their visual outcome after using low vision devices (LVD) for distance and near tasks. Material and Methods: This study was conducted in Makkah Eye Complex; Khartoum and Walidain Charity Eye Hospital; Omdurman; Sudan from September 2006 to March 2006. Patients included in this study were seen first by an ophthalmologist and then refracted and assessed for LVDs by an optometrist. All children in the age group 1 - 16 years attending low vision clinics during the above mentioned period were included in the study. Results: The study included 239 children with low vision. Majority were 12 years of age and above. Few children presented before the age 6. Males were more than females (55.2and 44.8respectively). There were 20 diseases causing low vision in children; of which; retinitis pigmentosa was the commonest (16.7) followed by congenital cataract (14.2). Conclusion: Children seeking low vision consultation present at school age (12 years and above); hence; School children need to be examined regularly to diagnose low vision and its causes as early as possible; as many causes are either preventable or curable at early stages. Ophthalmologists and optometrists must be aware about the benefit and value of using LVDs for children