Childhood blindness
O'Keefe, M.; Burke, J.P.; Bowell, R.; Lanigan, B.
Irish Medical Journal 83(2): 57-58
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0332-3102 PMID: 1697288 Document Number: 358459
Eighty five visually handicapped children who attended the eye department were assessed. The children had a mean age of 3.6 years--range 0.3-14.7 years. The aetiological factors for severe visual handicap (visual acuity less than 3/60) were evaluated into prenatal factors; factors operating at birth and the immediate perinatal period; or factors operating in childhood. Genetic counselling and improvements in the management of pre-term infants is recommended in the reduction of childhood blindness. A national computerised childhood blind register should be established.