ABSTRACT

The World Health Organization defines Low vision as visual acuity of less than 6/18, but equal to or better than 3/60, or visual field loss to less than 20 degrees, in the better eye with best possible correction and Blindness as visual acuity of less than 3/60, or a visual field loss to less than 10 degrees, in the better eye with best possible correction in place. The overall objective of this study was to determine the most common causes of visual impairment among students attending the schools for the blind in Edo State. A Descriptive cross- sectional study was carried out on a total of twenty-five students attending two schools for the blind in Benin City, Edo, using the Modified WHO/PBL Eye Examination Record for Children with Blindness and Low Vision Form. The data gotten was analyzed using SPSS version 22.0 and the results showed the major anatomical factor related to visual impairment was corneal pathologies accounting for 36.0% of the cases, followed by whole globe 32.0%, lens 8.0%, retina 8.0%, and optic nerve 4.0%. By etiological classification, 36% of the etiological factors causing visual impairment were postnatal factors, 20% were intrauterine, 16% were perinatal and 16% hereditary. The etiology was undetermined in 12.0% of the students and 72.0% of the causes of visual impairment were potentially avoidable. On Chi-square test analysis, there was a significant statistical relationship between etiology and gender (P=0.034). In conclusion, corneal pathologies were the major cause of visual impairment amongst students in schools for the blind, Edo State. This study will increase awareness on the need for intervention targeting improved eye care diagnosis and proper low vision and pediatric examination for the blind children in Benin City, Edo State.