Characteristics of the pediatric/adolescent low-vision population at the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired.

BACKGROUND

There are few descriptive studies of children and adolescents with low vision in the United States. Our study describes a pediatric/adolescent population at the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired (ISVI), detailing the etiologies of low vision and the devices prescribed.

METHODS

A retrospective record review was conducted of 260 consecutive students who had been examined at the twice-yearly Lions of Illinois Low Vision Clinic at ISVI between the years 1991 and 1999. Data collected included age, race, sex, best-corrected visual acuity, ocular diagnoses, the etiology of low vision (if known), and low-vision devices prescribed.

RESULTS

The population was 60% male. Ages ranged from less than 1 year to 20 years of age. The mean best-corrected distance visual acuity was approximately 20/200. Optic atrophy, cataracts, and retinopathy of prematurity were significant etiologies of low vision; however, the largest group of patients had a diagnosis classified as "other." Hand-held telescopes, bifocals/high adds, and tinted lenses were the major low-vision devices prescribed.

CONCLUSIONS

While optic atrophy, cataracts, and retinopathy of prematurity were common causes of vision impairment among students at ISVI, the largest group of students had an etiology from a wide range of disorders. Information on the causes of low vision can help with decisions on the allocation of research funds and resources for low-vision devices.