Changing pattern of childhood blindness in Saudi Arabia

We studied 187 patients attending special educational institutions in Saudi Arabia who were blind before the age of 14. All patients underwent complete ophthalmological evaluation. The visual acuity in 31% of the patients was no light perception and in 58% light perception to counting fingers at 3 feet [1 m]. 70% were blind before age 2. Prior to 1962 acquired diseases led to blindness in 75% of the patients. From 1962 onwards genetically determined diseases accounted for 84% of childhood blindness. 56% of this group were the product of consanguineous marriages. On the other hand in the group who acquired blindness only 14% were from cosanguineous marriages [p<0.0001]. We here describe guidelines for the prevention of childhood blindness in Saudi Arabia

Changing patterns of visual loss in the eastern province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Considerable attention has been given to the problems of prevention of blindness and trachoma in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia over the past 40 years. It was reported in the 1960s that trachoma prevalence in Eastern Province preschool children was in excess of 90% in villages and 70% in towns, leading to a high incidence of blindness. Unpublished data from the Kig Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital 1984 G/ 1404 Hnational Survey of Eye Disease and Visual Loss demonstrated that, according to World Health Organization criteria, the prevalence of blindness in the Eastern Province was 3.3% and the prevalence of active trachoma was 11.3%. Recent socioeconomic improvement, including the health services, prompted a new survey in order to assess the current situation. From a stratified geographic cluster sample, 4819 persons were registered and 4340 were examined. Results from this 1990 survey are compared with the 1984 data. Blindness was reduced from 3.3% to 1.5%, and cataract remains the major cause of blindness [37.5%]. Trachoma is responsible for 9.4% of the causes of blindness in 1990, in comparison to 27.3% in 1984. Active trachoma has decreased to a level where it can no longer be considered a major health hazard [1%]; however, total elimination of the disease, and protection of families at risk is recommended

Changing patterns of visual loss in the eastern province, kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Considerable attention has been given to the problems of prevention of blindness and trachoma in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia over the past 40 years. It was reported in the sixties that trachoma prevalence in Eastern Province preschool children was in excess of 90% in villages and 70% in towns, leading to a high incidence of blindness. Unpublished data from the King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital 1984 G/1404 H National Survey of Eye Disease and Visual Loss demonstrated that, according to World Health Organisation criteria, the prevalence of blindness in the Eastern Province was 3.3% and the prevalence of active trachoma 11.3%. Recent socioeconomic improvement, including the health services, prompted a new survey, in order to assess the current situation. From a stratified geographic cluster sample, 4819 persons were registered and 4340 were examined. Results from this 1990 survey are compared with the 1984 data. Blindness was reduced from 3.3% to 1.5%, and cataract remains the major cause of blindness [37.5%]. Trachoma is responsible for 9.4% of the causes of blindness in 1990, in comparison to 27.3% in 1984. Active trachoma has decreased to a level where it can no longer be considered a major health hazard [1%]; however, total elimination of the disease, and protection of families at risk is recommended

Epidemiology and a proposed national programme for the control of trachoma in Saudi Arabia

Based upon clinical experience and available literature there is evidence that trachoma is hyperendemic in Saudi Arabia. Health services have not yet dealt with this problem. The author suggests the need of a blanket treatment programme to be implemented in the Kingdom following a national survey of eye disease. It is also recommended that the Qasim Province be the pilot study area of the programme. The author emphasizes the importance of coordination and cooperation between health and educational authorities and the community for the.achievement of reducing unnecessary and avoidable visual loss in the community

Cause of blindness in the Eastern province blind schools

Two hundred and nineteen pupils and blind teachers in schools for the blind in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia were examined during the winter of 1981. Identifying the causes of blindness in this group helps to work out suitable strategies to eliminate avoidable blindness in the community and plan schooling for the blind and partially sighted. No distinction is made between partially sighted and totally blind in teaching methodology. Poor to non-existing ophthalmic examination on registration to a blind school [Al-Noor Institutes] was noted. Lack of ophthalmic services following admission may also lead to further loss of vision as some were found in need of further ophthalmic care