Cataract, Albinism Among Top Causes of Pediatric Low Vision

Researchers have identified common causes of low vision in children, according to a systematic literature review published in Archivos de la Sociedad Española de Oftalmología. 

Investigators performed a literature search using the terms “low vision” or “visual impairment” and “cause” and “child.” Studies strictly including cases of blindness, uncorrected refractive error, or amblyopia were excluded from the analysis. A total of 27 studies were selected for inclusion. 

The most common causes of low vision in children are cataract (prevalence, 0.8-27.2%), albinism (1.1-47%), nystagmus (1.3%-22%), retinal dystrophies (3.5-50%), retinopathy of prematurity (1.1-65.8%), optic atrophy (0.2-17.6%) and glaucoma (2.4-18.1%), the report shows.

Low vision causes varied across continents. Two of 3 population-based studies conducted in Asia reported refractive errors as the most common cause of low vision. A total of 4 population-based studies in Africa confirmed refractive errors as the most common low vision cause, with the largest study reporting cataracts (16%) and corneal opacities (13.3%) as frequent causes. European studies (n=2) report retinal dystrophy as a prevalent abnormality, while studies conducted in Oceania (n=4) report albinism, optic nerve anomalies and nystagmus as frequent diseases, according to the report. 

Researchers acknowledge the importance of identifying causes of low vision to combat health disparities. “In low income countries, due to economic problems and inefficient health systems, conditions that can lead to [low vision] or blindness are not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. This is estimated to be the case for almost half of all blind children today,” according to the investigators.

Study limitations include the limited amount of search terms used, considering multiple terms can indicate similar conditions.