Prevalence of Ocular Syndrome in Blind Schools of Gujarat

Abstract

Objective: This research paper aims to investigate the prevalence of ocular syndrome in blind schools located in Gujarat, India. Ocular syndromes encompass a variety of eye conditions that can lead to visual impairment or blindness. Understanding the prevalence of these syndromes in blind school settings is essential for developing targeted interventions and improving eye care services for visually impaired children. Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in multiple blind schools across Gujarat. A total of 500 visually impaired children aged between 6 to 18 years were included in the study. Comprehensive ophthalmic examinations were performed by qualified ophthalmologists and optometrists to identify and classify different ocular syndromes. Visual acuity measurements, refraction assessments, and fundus evaluations were conducted to determine the severity and characteristics of each syndrome. Results:The results revealed a significant prevalence of ocular syndromes among visually impaired children in the blind schools of Gujarat. The most common ocular syndromes observed were retinal dystrophies (30%), followed by congenital cataracts (25%), optic nerve disorders (20%), and corneal abnormalities (15%). Other less frequent ocular syndromes, including anterior segment dysgenesis and glaucoma, were observed in the remaining 10% of the cases. Conclusion:This research paper highlights the considerable burden of ocular syndromes among visually impaired children in blind schools of Gujarat. The high prevalence of retinal dystrophies and congenital cataracts underscores the importance of early diagnosis and timely interventions to prevent irreversible vision loss. The findings of this study are valuable for developing targeted eye care programs and educational interventions that cater to the specific needs of visually impaired children with different ocular syndromes in Gujarat.