Epidemiology of Childhood Blindness: a Community based study in Bangladesh

Abstract This study has aimed to detect the prevalence and causes of childhood blindness in rural area of Bangladesh. A cross sectional quantitative study design was adopted for this study which carried-out in three unions (sub-districts) of Raiganj upazila of Sirajganj district of Bangladesh. Using a validated tool a screening program was conducted at household level. After initial screening a team of ophthalmologists confirmed the diagnosis by clinical examinations. The prevalence of childhood blindness found was 6.3 per 10,000 children. The rate of uni-ocular blindness was 4.8 per 10,000 children. Congenital problems were the major cause of both uniocular and binocular blindness (UOB: 84% and BB: 92% &). For binocular blindness, whole globe was the responsible site (28.0%, CI: 13.1, 47.7) and cornea was for the uni-ocular blindness (57.8%, CI: 35.3, 78.1). Childhood blindness is a public health problem in Bangladesh. Childhood blindness is common irrespective of gender. Major causes of childhood blindness are congenital.