BACKGROUND: It is estimated that there are 1.4 million irreversibly blind children in the world out of which 1 million are in Asia alone. India has the highest number of blind children than any other country. Nearly 70% of the childhood blindness is avoidable. There is paucity of data available on the causes of childhood blindness. This study focuses on the posterior segment causes of blindness among children attending blind schools in 3 adjacent districts of Andhra Pradesh. MATERIAL & METHODS:

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... This is a cross sectional study conducted among 204 blind children aged 6-16 years age. Detailed eye examination was done by the same investigator to avoid bias. Posterior segment examination was done using a direct and/or indirect ophthalmoscope after dilating pupil wherever necessary. The standard WHO/PBL for blindness and low vision examination protocol was used to categorize the causes of blindness. A major anatomical site and underlying cause was selected for each child. The study was carried out during July 2014 to June 2015. The results were analyzed using MS excel software and Epi-info 7 software version statistical software. RESULTS: Majority of the children was found to be aged 13-16 years (45.1%) and males (63.7%). Family history of blindness was noted in 26.0% and consanguinity was reported in 29.9% cases. A majority of them were belonged to fulfill WHO grade of blindness (73.0%) and in majority of the cases, the onset of blindness was since birth (83.7%). The etiology of blindness was unknown in majority of cases (57.4%) while hereditary causes constituted 25.4% cases. Posterior segment causes were responsible in 33.3% cases with retina being the most commonly involved anatomical site (19.1%) followed by optic nerve (14.2%). CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for mandatory ophthalmic evaluation, refraction and assessment of low vision prior to admission into blind schools with periodic evaluation every 2-3 years.