Screening for Ophthalmic Disorders among Deaf School Children in Nigeria- A Neglected Population

Background: The visual and auditory systems are vital for the optimal development of a child. However recent studies have shown that the incidence of visual problems in the deaf is higher than in their hearing counterparts. This study is aimed to find out if this is so in our locality.

Aim: To screen for ocular abnormalities among students in a deaf school in Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: A cross sectional survey of students in a school for the deaf was carried out. Demographics as well as visual acuity, penlight eye examination, intraocular pressure, dilated fundoscopy and refraction of consenting respondents were documented where applicable.

Results: A total of 114 deaf students were seen comprising 48(42.1%) males and 66(57.9%) females. Mean age was 15.14±3.91 .A total of 110 (96.5%) subjects had vision ≥6/18 while the rest (n=4; i.e.3.5%) had low vision between < 6/18 and 6/60. Significant causes of low vision include optic atrophy of unknown cause, cupped discs from untreated chronic glaucoma and macular scarring.

Conclusion: There should be routine eye evaluation for all hearing-impaired and deaf persons so that timely treatment can be offered for treatable conditions in order to avoid loss of vision, which is the sense heavily relied upon in this group of individuals. No significant plans are in place to address this at the moment. It is encouraged that policy makers should please seek prompt and adequate delivery of these services to this population.