A Budzynska-Sildatke¹, A Zapasnik¹, M Sildatke-Bauer²
¹St. Adalbert Hospital, Strabismus and Amblyopia Department, Gdansk, Poland; ²Children Assistance Association, Strabismus and Amblyopia Department, Gdansk, Poland
Background:
Children Assistance Association "Promyk" since 1998 takes care of 88 visualy impaired children age 1-16 years. The aim of our study was to analise causes of vision loss in different age groups and their problems with physical and social adaptation.
Method:
We analisted records of ophthalmological examination and rehabilitation specialists records. Children were divided into three groups acording to age: I st 1-3 years old, IInd 4-8 years old, IIIrd 9-16 years old.
Results:
The main cause of visual impairment was CVI (37% - I group, 33% - II group, 8%- III group), second was ROP (32%, 30%, 12.5% respectively) third -optic disc anomalies (10.5%, 20%, 20.8% respectively).
The first group (0-3 years old) consists mainly of children with severe neurological disorders. Our work depends mainly on helping the parents to accept the child's disabilities and introducing early visual stimulation. Chilldren from the second group (4-8 years old) are very reluctant in using low vision devices. They attend normal schools and kindergardens and have additional lessons to help them catch up with the material. The elder children (IIIrd group) use mainly hand held magnifiers, rarely telescopes. Some of them have PC computers with magnifing unit. Most of them attend normal schools, where they often don't find enough understanding from their teachers and colleagues.
Conclusion:
The number of children with visual impairment is rising, mostly due to the increase in the number of prematurely born infants. In Gdansk region there is a need for Vision Rehabilitation Centre, where children and their families would find complex assistance. We also need to organise training for techers from normal schools.
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