Syed Ali Nasar Waris1, Rubina Huda2
BACKGROUND
Congenital ocular anomalies are one of the important causes of childhood
blindness. Blindness is a serious public health issue, and also a social and economic
problem worldwide. Majority of global blindness is avoidable and curable. Most of
global blindness is in developing countries. The objectives of this study were to
determine the prevalence of congenital ocular anomalies in the paediatric age
group and its associated risk factors in a tertiary care hospital in Kancheepuram.
METHODS
This cross-sectional study was conducted among children of 0 – 14 years age
group attending the ophthalmology department of SRM Medical College and
Hospital, Kancheepuram from December 2018 to November 2020. Congenital
ocular anomalies were detected by detailed ocular examination and the type of
congenital ocular anomaly was assessed. Associated risk factors like family history
of congenital ocular anomalies, family history of consanguinity and significant
antenatal history of the mother of the children were collected.
RESULTS
Out of 9865 cases, we found that 61 cases had congenital ocular anomalies. There
was a male preponderance. Majority of the cases were in the age group 0 - 5
years. A positive history of consanguinity was present in 10 % of cases. The most
commonly found cases were congenital cataract and congenital dacryocystitis.
CONCLUSIONS
Children with congenital ocular anomalies and functional vision should be given
glasses and low vision aid. There is a great need for early screening, detection and
treatment by paediatric or trained ophthalmologists in referral hospitals.
