RRH: Rural and Remote Health. Published article number: 3442 - Eye care services for the populations of remote districts in eastern Taiwan: a practical framework using a Mobile Vision Van Unit

Purpose: According to previous studies, the prevalence rate of cataracts has increased in recent years. This study aims to investigate and analyze the risk factors of early-onset cataracts in Taiwan. Methods: A total of 71 subjects aged between 20 and 55 were diagnosed with cataracts in a medical center. Participants were divided into three groups: control, early-onset cataract (EOC), and combined (EOC combined with dry eye) groups. Eye examinations including autorefraction, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), subjective refraction, axial length, fundus, slit lamp, and reactive oxygen species (ROS, including total antioxidative capacity, TAC; C-reactive protein, CRP; and glutathione peroxidase, GPx) were performed. In addition, a questionnaire on patient information, history, habits, family history, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) was completed before the examination. Results: 27 non-EOC (control group), 20 EOC, and 24 combined patients participated in the study. Compared with the control group, Body Mass Index (BMI), gender, educational level, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, chronic pain, and body-related diseases were significantly different between the three groups. Family history was also significantly different: family heart disease, hypertension, asthma, allergies, stroke, and immune system were also significantly different. In addition, subjects who took hypertensive drugs, antihistamines, and other medications were also significantly different. Statistical analysis indicated that best corrective visual acuity and the spherical equivalent were significantly different between the three groups. Similar results were found in CRP blood analysis. Discussion and Conclusion: According to the results, EOC may result from systemic diseases. The risk corresponded to an increase in ROS blood analysis. Furthermore, eye drops and medicine intake significantly influenced EOC patients. To prevent or defer early-onset cataracts, monitoring physical health, CRP, and GPx analysis may be worth considering in the future.

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of visual rehabilitation on binocular visual function in kindergarten children with developmental delay. Methods: This study comprised a case series tracking changes in binocular visual function in three children with developmental delay during rehabilitation. The rehabilitation schedule was tailored to the specific circumstances of each child and was divided into three phases—baseline, intervention, and maintenance—aiming to observe the impact of rehabilitation on visual performance. Results: All three children presented with pre-existing visual deficits—including amblyopia, strabismus, and oculomotor dysfunction—which were associated with functional challenges such as frequent falls, postural instability, and reading difficulties. Following the multidisciplinary rehabilitation program, marked improvements were observed in visual acuity, accommodative facility, and stereopsis. Furthermore, parents reported a decrease in daily functional challenges, with these gains being sustained during the post-intervention follow-up. Conclusions: This case series suggests that structured visual rehabilitation may improve binocular function and daily performance in children with developmental delays. These findings underscore that visual ability extends beyond mere visual acuity, highlighting the necessity of assessing multidimensional visual functions in special education and rehabilitative practice.