European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Background:  Childhood blindness, defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as visual acuity less than 3/60 or corresponding visual field loss, poses a significant public health challenge globally, affecting not only individuals but also families and communities. This study aims to explore the prevalence, causes, and associated factors of childhood blindness, emphasizing the WHO's criteria for blindness in individuals below 16 years. Methodology: This prospective observational study focused on children below 16 years with visual acuity less than 6/60 in their better eye. Thorough examinations were conducted at SLN Medical College and Hospital, and data were analyzed to determine the clinical profile, including age and sex distribution, risk factors, and causes of childhood blindness. Results: Between 2019 and 2020, 50 cases of childhood blindness were examined, resulting in an institution-based prevalence of 1.11 per 1000 patients. Females constituted 54%, and 66% of cases were from rural areas. Malnutrition (30%) emerged as a significant risk factor, and corneal causes were predominantly associated with preventable factors (53.2%). Trauma accounted for 14% of cases, with a higher prevalence among males (71.42%). Discussion: Consistent with WHO criteria, this study found a prevalence of childhood blindness comparable to national surveys. The age-wise distribution reflected trends observed in previous studies, with a notable concentration in the 0-5 age group. Socioeconomic factors, including low income and illiteracy, were associated with a higher prevalence of childhood blindness. Preventable and treatable causes constituted 53.2%, emphasizing the potential for targeted interventions. Conclusion: Childhood blindness remains a significant public health concern, with a substantial portion being preventable or treatable. Efforts should focus on raising awareness, particularly in rural areas, and improving healthcare accessibility to reduce childhood blindness. Malnutrition and Vitamin A deficiency persist as major contributors, warranting targeted preventive measures. Public education on risk factors is essential for mitigating the impact of childhood blindness.