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Preschool children with visual impairment expected to increase 26% by 2060
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Based on large-scale population data, Hispanic white children accounted for the highest number of visually impaired cases, and this group will remain the most affected through 2060.
Researchers used prevalence data from two major population-based studies conducted in the U.S.
In 2015, more than 174,000 children from 3 to 5 years old in the U.S. were visually impaired.
Almost 121,000 of these cases (69%) resulted from simple uncorrected refractive error, and 43,000 (25%) were due to bilateral amblyopia.
By 2060, visual impairment (VI) is expected to increase by 26% in this population, the researchers said.
In 2015, Hispanic white children accounted for the most VI cases (66,000, 37.5%), and this group will remain the most affected through 2060, with researchers projecting 43.6% in 2060.
The racial/ethnic group with the second most VI is projected to shift from non-Hispanic white children to black children.
The largest proportional increase in VI cases is projected in multiracial children, according to researchers.
“Given that most preschool visual impairment can be prevented or treated by low-cost refractive correction, and that early intervention is critical for better visual outcomes, vision screening in preschool age and follow-up care will have a significant, prolonged effect on visual function and academic and social achievements and, therefore, should be recommended for all children,” researchers wrote. – by Abigail Sutton
Disclosures: The researchers report no relevant financial; disclosures.
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