Clinical Analysis of Monocular Blindness

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: There has been no epidemiological data on unilateral visual disabilities in Korea. This study was conducted to investigate the causes and current clinical manifestation of unilateral blindness in Korea based on the register. METHODS: This study was performed of all unilateral blindness registered as sixth degree visual disability from January to December 2000. Sex, the age at onset, and leading causes of blindness were evaluated. RESULTS: Of 145 patients with available clinical data, men were 114(78.6%). The peak incidence of onset of unilateral blindness were at less than 10 years of age(32 patients, 22.1%) and twenties(29 patients, 20.0%). It was found that the leading causes in order of frequency of incidence were trauma(81 patients, 55.9%), congenital anomaly(20 patients, 13.8%), retinal disease(17 patients, 11.7%), glaucoma(12 patients, 8.2%), and corneal disease(7 patients, 4.8%). The mechanism of trauma was penetrating trauma(38 patients, 46.9%), traffic accident(21 patients, 25.9%), and blunt contusion(11 patients, 13.6%). CONCLUSIONS: The unilateral blindness in Korea was much more frequently seen in subjects aged 10 years or less and twenties. The main cause was trauma developed during playing or working. Therefore, health education and safety strategies should be considered for the prevention of unilateral blindness.