Abstract
Purpose :
The functional status in children and youth with different systemic conditions has been studied extensively. Little is known on how vision status interferes with the functional status especially in children living in non-industrialized countries. This was a cross-sectional study to assess the functional status in a developing country children with visual disabilities using the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI).
Methods :
Patients were recruited from a general ophthalmology clinic. Children with visual disabilities underwent a complete eye examination including measurement of best-corrected visual acuity (VA), biomicroscopy, and ophthalmoscopy. Everyday functioning was described in children with visual disabilities using the three scales of the PEDI (version 1.0): functional skills, caregiver assistance, and modifications of the environment.
Results :
The study sample comprised 32 children with a mean VA of 0.6; 17 had strabismus, 10 congenital cataract, 2 nystagmus, 2 congenital glaucoma, and 1 albinism; mean age was 8.0 ± 2.6 years. A large variability in functioning in mobility, self-care, and social function was seen because of the heterogeneity of children with visual disabilities. Limitations in achievement of activities, need for assistance, and use of assistive devices increased progressively with visual deficit (P < 0.000).
Conclusions :
All three domains of the PEDI represent different but strongly related aspects of everyday functioning in young children with visual disabilities who live in a developing country.
This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.