Congenital Ophthalmic Anomalies in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction:Congenital eye anomalies are a cause of childhood blindness which constitutes a great socioeconomic loss to the individual, family and community.

Method: The medical records of pediatric patients seen between January 2005 and December 2009 at the Ophthalmology clinic of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City were analysed to identify those with congenital anomalies. Data on the type of anomaly, age at presentation, sex and eye involved were obtained.

Result: A total of 905 children were seen during this study period. Ninety-three (10.3%) had congenital eye anomalies. The age range at presentation was 5 days to 13year. The male to female ratio was 1.6: 1. The most common congenital anomalies were congenital cataract (24.7%), congenital glaucoma (16.1%), dacryostenosis (11.9%) and strabismus (9.7%).

Conclusion: The main congenital eye abnormalities are avoidable and treatable causes of childhood blindness when promptly and adequately managed. Medical personnel involved in child care should be sensitized on identification and prompt referral of cases of congenital eye anomalies to the pediatric ophthalmologist.

Keywords: congenital eye anomalies, congenital cataract, congenital glaucoma, childhood blindness, Nigera