Childhood blindness in Jamaica

ABSTRACT

Childhood blindness results in a lifetime of morbidity for the child and family involved, requiring special schooling with limited employment opportunities. The identification of the causes of blindness in children and their prevention, where possible, is of vital importance. We look at the causes of blindness in Jamaica. The leading preventable cause was congenital rubella syndrome, which often results in multiple handicap. This condition should be avoidable with a suitable immunisation programme. The leading treatable causes were congenital cataract and glucoma. These conditions may both be treatable if surgery is performed at an early age and specialist care is maintained.(AU)