Causes of Childhood Blindness in the United States Using the IRIS Registry (Intelligent Research in Sight)

Ophthalmology Volume 130, Number 9, September 2023

利用IRIS登記（Intelligent Research in Sight），探討美國兒童失明的原因

中文摘要

該研究對美國兒童失明進行了全面分析，關注其原因、人口分布和可治療性。利用IRIS登記的數據，該登記包含超過7540萬個獨特病患，該研究確定了導致兒童失明的主要原因，如早產兒視網膜病變（ROP）、眼球震顫（nystagmus）、白內障和視神經萎縮。該研究顯示，超過一半的兒童失明病例是可治療的疾病，如ROP、白內障、青光眼和視網膜脫離。

該研究還凸顯了顯著的人口差異。失明的兒童更有可能年齡較小，特別是0至2歲的年齡段，且男性較多。失明兒童中的西班牙裔和黑人比例明顯高於一般兒科人口。

該研究強調了早期干預和更好的篩查實踐的需求，特別是對於ROP和兒童白內障等狀況。該研究還呼籲進一步研究以了解兒童失明在地區和種族/族裔上的變化。該研究得出結論，儘管治療方法有所進步，兒童失明仍然是一個需要專注於預防和治療的重要公共衛生問題。

English Abstract

The study provides a comprehensive analysis of childhood blindness in the United States, focusing on its causes, demographic distribution, and treatability. Utilizing data from the IRIS Registry, which includes more than 75.4 million unique patients, the study identifies the leading causes of childhood blindness as retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), nystagmus, cataract, and optic nerve atrophy. The study reveals that more than half of the cases of childhood blindness are treatable conditions like ROP, cataract, glaucoma, and retinal detachment.

The study also highlights significant demographic disparities. Blind children are more likely to be younger, particularly aged 0 to 2, and male. The proportion of Hispanic and Black children among the blind is notably higher than in the general pediatric population.

The study emphasizes the need for early intervention and better screening practices, especially for conditions like ROP and pediatric cataracts. It also calls for further research to understand regional and racial/ethnic variations in childhood blindness. The study concludes that despite advancements in treatment methods, childhood blindness remains a significant public health issue that requires focused attention for prevention and treatment.