A Study on Incurable Blindness in a Rural Community of West Midnapur District, West Bengal, India

Abstract

BACKGROUNDBlindness has long been recognised as a public health concern in India. The study aimed to assess the burden of incurable blindness and explore the available and accessible rehabilitation measures in rural community. MATERIALS AND METHODSA cross-sectional study was undertaken among two blocks of West Midnapur district, West Bengal using a pre-designed, pre-tested semi-structured proforma by trained ophthalmologist from a Medical College Hospital. RESULTSThe study identified 212 eyes of 106 incurably blind individuals. Age range was 5-75 yrs. with median age of 22 yrs. Median duration was 18 years; 68 individuals were blind since birth (64.15%); 131 eyes (54.71%) had causes dating back to their birth or early childhood. Coloboma with microphthalmos were the leading cause accounting for 36 cases (16.98%). Congenital cataract 22 (10.37%), microphthalmos with microcornea 17 (8.01%) and nystagmus without ocular pathology 14 (6.60%) were other leading causes. Diseases acquired later childhood or adulthood accounted for 81 out of the 212 eyes (38.20%). Retinitis pigmentosa 18 (8.49%), bilateral keratitis 14 (6.60%), adult glaucoma 08 (3.77%) and high myopia with chorioretinal degeneration 08 (3.77%) were also found; 3 persons were admitted to blind school, 6 were receiving financial support but none aware of any Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR); 71 eyes (33.49%) out of 212 were lost from preventable causes of which 36/131 were (27.48%) in children and 35/81 (43.20%) in adult age groups. CONCLUSIONThe study highlights need for early screening and comprehensive rehabilitation approach to reduce the burden of incurable blindness in the community.