Rev Bras Oftalmol.2011;70(2):93-98
Clinical and ophthalmological findings in subjects with special needs institutionalized in Pernambuco, Brazil
DOI: 10.1590/S0034-72802011000200005
PURPOSE: To describe the main clinical and visual findings in special needs subjects institutionalized in Pernambuco State. METHODS: Thirty seven subjects with special needs, institutionalized in Rodolfo Aureliano Community (CRAUR), from Children and Adolescent Foundation (FUNDAC), in Recife PE, were evaluated by a multidiscipline team. The subjects aged 6 to 30 years, with mean of 18.8±5.1 years. Most of them were boys (94.5%). Institutionalized individuals were considered when they lived in institutions maintained by the State. It was made a cross-sectional study, verifying the main clinical and ophthalmic findings of these individuals. It was performed a complete ophthalmic examination in cases with good cooperation in accordance with pre-established protocol. RESULTS: Alcohol use in pregnancy was reported by nine mothers (24.3%). Severe mental retardation was seen in 22 subjects (59.4%), cerebral palsy and epilepsy in 7 (18.9%) subjects each. It was possible to perform the complete ophthalmic examination in 24 subjects (64.8%). Legal blindness was detected in 10 cases (41.6%). Main ophthalmologic findings found were amblyopia, refractive error and phthisis bulbi in 3 cases (12.5%) each. Strabismus was seen in two cases (8.3%). CONCLUSION: The ophthalmological findings detected revealed the importance of ophthalmic examination in institutionalized individuals with special needs. The association with multiple disabilities such as neuropsychiatric diseases contributed to the greatest degree of difficulty in the evaluation and conduct of cases.