Ocular morbidity in children attending schools for the deaf in the Central Province of Kenya

Abstract

Background : The deaf children rely on vision and other sensory organs to compensate for deafness. The prevalence and nature of ocular disorders vary in different parts of the world but little information is available in Africa and thus Kenya on the subject.

Objective; To determine the magnitude and pattern of ocular morbidity in children attending schools for the deaf in central province of Kenya.

Method Children attending four schools for the deaf in Central province of Kenya were examined. Visual acuity, gross stereopsis, refractive status and ocular examination were performed and recorded in a questionnaire. All relevant systemic history, clinical findings and ontological information was extracted from files and recorded.

Results A total of474 children aged below 15 years were examined ofwhoml44 (30.4%) had ophthalmic abnormality. Allergic conjunctivitis was the commonest disorder accounting for 12.1 %, followed by refractive errors( 7.4%). Other disorders included presumed Usher syndrome (7.3%), Waardenburg syndrome (0.8%) and congenital rubella syndrome (0.6%). Of the children whose degree of hearing loss was known, the most prevalent pattern was sensorineural hearing loss (68.3%). There was increased risk of ocular disease in children with congenital hearing loss compared to those with acquired deafness (p-value 0.014).

Conclusion The prevalence of ocular morbidity in deaf children in the Central province of Kenya was 30.4%, with allergic conjunctivitis being the most common ocular disorder. Congenital deafness was the most common type of hearing loss and was associated with increased risk of ocular morbidity. The severity of deafness did not significantly affect the risk of ocular morbidity. Ophthalmic examination and good record keeping is recommended. Children with allergic and infective conjunctivitis were given prescriptions for appropriate treatment; one child was referred for cataract surgery while those with sydromic disorders were advised on follow up.