Problemas visuales en niños de edad escolar / Visual Impairment in School-Age Children

Introducción: A partir de su formación permanente y continuada, desde la educación en el trabajo, el tecnólogo de la salud en optometría y óptica desarrolla modos de actuación en la atención primaria de salud, mediante la interacción con escuelas de la comunidad, para identificar problemas visuales en niños y contribuir a su rehabilitación, al brindar educación especializada a familias y docentes. Objetivo: Exponer los resultados de una investigación sobre problemas visuales en niños en edad escolar atendidos en el Policlínico Mario Escalona para la socialización de datos que contribuyan a la educación especializada de familias y docentes en la rehabilitación visual. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal, desde enero de 2020 hasta abril de 2022, para conocer la incidencia del uso de dispositivos electrónicos en niños en edad escolar atendidos en el Policlínico Mario Escalona. Conformaron el universo 1953 niños. Se valoró el defecto refractivo y el tiempo de uso de los dispositivos electrónicos. Resultados: El astigmatismo miópico fue la ametropía más frecuente, con una incidencia superior al 50 por ciento. En encuestas realizadas a los padres se corroboró el uso desmedido de dispositivos electrónicos. Conclusiones: Como acto de responsabilidad profesional, desde la atención primaria de salud, el tecnólogo de la salud en optometría y óptica debe identificar los problemas visuales en niños en edad escolar y brindar educación especializada a familias y docentes, que contribuya a la rehabilitación visual(AU)

Introduction: From his or her permanent and continuous training, from education at work, the health technologist in Optometry and Optics develops modes of action in primary health care, through interaction with community schools, to identify visual problems in children and contribute to their rehabilitation, by providing specialized education to families and professors. Objective: To present the results of a research on visual problems in school-age children treated at Mario Escalona Polyclinic for the socialization of data that contribute to the specialized education of families and teachers in visual rehabilitation. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out from January 2020 to April 2022, in order to know the incidence of the use of electronic devices in school-age children attended at Policlínico Docente Dr. Mario Escalona Reguera. The universe consisted of 1953 children. The refractive defect and the time of use of electronic devices were assessed. Results: Myopic astigmatism was the most frequent ametropia, with an incidence higher than 50 percent. Surveys of parents corroborated an excessive use of electronic devices. Conclusions: As an act of professional responsibility, from primary health care, the health technologist in Optometry and Peptics should identify visual problems in school-age children, as well as provide specialized education to families and professors, contributing to visual rehabilitation(AU)

Dual visual impairment and contrast sensitivity among community-dwelling older adults: a cross-sectional study from the PrevQuedas Brazil trial / Duplo déficit visual e sensibilidade ao contraste em idosos da comunidade: estudo transversal do PrevQuedas Brasil

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the importance of improving visual assessment for community-dwelling older adult fallers. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with eligible older adults (> 60 years old) living in the community and who suffered at least one fall in the last 12 months from the PrevQuedas Brasil clinical trial. Sociodemographic data, information on previous falls, physical and functional assessment (BOMFAQ and FES-I) were collected. We evaluated impairments in visual acuity and contrast sensitivity using the Snellen E chart and low-contrast visual acuity tests, respectively. Dual visual impairment refers to the presence of both impairments. For statistical analysis we compared the participants in relation to the number of falls (single fallers or recurrent fallers) using Chi-square or Fisher's exact test and the significance level was <0.05 for all analyses. RESULTS: Visual acuity, low contrast sensitivity, and dual visual impairment were associated with recurrent falls (OR 1.85); visual impairment was more prevalent among the oldest old. Approximately 90% of the participants reported using glasses, and 63.80% used multifocal lenses. Dual impairment was identified in 143 (20.30%) participants. In multivariate logistic regression, the predictive variables for recurrent falls were low contrast sensitivity (95%CI 1.15­2.47), dual visual impairment (95%CI 1.16­2.83), and self-perceived fall risk (95%CI 1.16­2.46) which was measured using the Falls Efficacy Scale-International. CONCLUSION: Older adults with dual visual impairment are more likely to suffer recurrent falls. Low contrast sensitivity is crucial for fall risk assessment

OBJETIVO: Este estudo investiga a importância de avaliar a visão de idosos caidores na comunidade. METODOLOGIA: Estudo transversal com idosos elegíveis (> 60 anos) residentes na comunidade e que sofreram pelo menos uma queda nos últimos 12 meses do ensaio clínico PrevQuedas Brasil. Foram coletados dados sociodemográficos, informações sobre quedas pregressas, exames físicos e funcionais (BOMFAQ e FES-I). Avaliamos os comprometimentos da acuidade visual e da sensibilidade ao contraste por meio da Tabela E de Snellen e testes de acuidade visual de baixo contraste, respectivamente. O duplo déficit visual refere-se à presença de ambas as deficiências. Para análise estatística comparamos os idosos com relação ao número de quedas (caidores únicos ou caidores recorrentes) usando Qui-quadrado ou Teste exato de Fisher e o nível de significância foi <0.05 para todas as análises. RESULTADOS: Baixa acuidade visual, baixa sensibilidade ao contraste e duplo déficit visual foram associados a quedas recorrentes com odds ratio ­ OR 1,85, frequentemente mais prevalente entre os idosos longevos. Cerca de 90,00% dos idosos relataram usar óculos e 63,80% usavam lentes multifocais. O duplo déficit visual foi identificado em 143 (20,30%) participantes. Nos modelos de regressão logística multivariados, verificamos que as variáveis preditoras para queda recorrente foram a baixa sensibilidade ao contraste (intervalo de confiança ­ IC95% 1,15­2,47), duplo déficit (IC95% 1,16­2,83) e a autopercepção do risco de cair (IC95% 1,16­2,46) medido pela Falls Efficacy Scale-International. CONCLUSÃO: Idosos com baixa sensibilidade ao contraste e duplo déficit visual têm maiores chances de sofrerem múltiplas quedas quando comparados com idosos que possuem apenas baixa acuidade visual. Assim, a baixa sensibilidade ao contraste é essencial na avaliação do risco de quedas dos idosos

Discapacidad visual y ceguera por catarata en Cuba en 2016 / Visual Impairment and Cataract Blindness in Cuba in 2016

Objetivo: Describir la discapacidad visual por catarata en la población de 50 años y más de edad y la cobertura de la atención oftalmológica en Cuba durante el año 2016. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación epidemiológica, descriptiva y transversal en personas de 50 años o más, que tomó la encuesta rápida de ceguera evitable realizada en Cuba en el año 2016. Con los datos obtenidos en los cuestionarios se confeccionó una base de datos. La muestra estuvo conformada por 3 920 habitantes distribuida en 112 conglomerados. Las variables estudiadas fueron la discapacidad visual, tipo de cirugía, tiempo de operados, resultados visuales y causas de malos resultados. Resultados: La prevalencia de ceguera bilateral fue de un porciento, para la discapacidad visual severa 2,7 por ciento, y moderada un 9,0 por ciento. El 66,2 por ciento de los ojos estudiados presentó buenos resultados visuales, de los cuales al 69,2 por ciento se le implantó una lente intraocular. Las comorbilidades oculares (67,1 por ciento) fueron la causa más frecuente de malos resultados visuales posquirúrgicos y representó el 44,7 por ciento en el total de ojos afectados. Conclusiones: El riesgo de presentar ceguera por catarata es del 1 por ciento. La discapacidad visual moderada es la más prevalente. En todos los rangos de discapacidad, la catarata bilateral no presenta diferencias entre sexo, pero en la unilateral el sexo masculino es el más frecuente. La primera causa de malos resultados posquirúrgicos son los trastornos refractivos en discapacidad visual moderada y las comorbilidades oculares para la discapacidad visual severa y ceguera(AU)

Purpose: To describe visual disability due to cataract in the population aged 50 years and older and the coverage of ophthalmologic care in Cuba during 2016. Methods: An epidemiological, descriptive and cross-sectional research was conducted in people aged 50 years and older, who took the rapid survey of avoidable blindness conducted in Cuba in 2016. With the data obtained from the questionnaires, a database was made. The sample, distributed in 112 clusters, consisted of 3 920 inhabitants. The variables studied were visual impairment, type of surgery, time of surgery, visual results and causes of poor results. Results: The prevalence of bilateral blindness was 1 percent, for severe visual impairment, 2.7 percent and for moderate visual impairment 9.0 percent. Good visual outcomes were observed in 66.2 percent of the eyes studied, of which 69.2 percent were implanted with an intraocular lens. Ocular comorbidities (67.1 percent) were the most frequent cause of poor postsurgical visual outcomes and accounted for 44.7 percent in the total number of affected eyes. Conclusions: The risk of presenting blindness due to cataract is 1 percent. Moderate visual impairment is the most prevalent. In all ranges of disability, bilateral cataract does not show differences between genders, but in unilateral cataract the male gender is the most frequent. The first cause of poor postoperative outcomes are refractive disorders in moderate visual impairment and ocular comorbidities for severe visual impairment and blindness(AU)

Estudo de validação sobre dificuldade visual autorrelatada entre estudantes dos cursos de graduação da Universidade Federal de Pelotas / Validation study on self-reported visual impairment among undergraduate students at the Federal University of Pelotas

Resumo Os objetivos do estudo foram avaliar a prevalência de dificuldade visual autorrelatada entre acadêmicos de 18 a 39 anos de idade da Universidade Federal de Pelotas e realizar a validação de uma pergunta sobre dificuldade visual em uma subamostra dos participantes, com dados coletados entre novembro de 2017 e julho de 2018. Realizou-se um estudo transversal com a pergunta "Você tem alguma dificuldade para enxergar de perto e/ou de longe?". Como padrão-ouro para o estudo de validação, a acuidade visual (AV) foi medida através da tabela de Snellen. Considera-se AV alterada quando menor que 20/40 em qualquer olho. A prevalência de dificuldade visual autorrelatada foi de 37,3% (IC95%: 35,1-39,6) e a de AV menor que 20/40 em qualquer olho foi 6,9% (IC95%: 5,3-8,9). A pergunta apresentou sensibilidade 71,4% (IC95%: 57,8-82,7), especificidade 66,9% (IC95%: 63,4-70,2), valor preditivo positivo 13,8% (IC95%: 10,0-18,3) e valor preditivo negativo 96,9% (IC95%: 95,1-98,2). Os resultados indicaram alta prevalência de dificuldade visual autorrelatada entre os universitários e pergunta com sensibilidade e especificidade razoáveis e com alto valor preditivo negativo, podendo ser utilizada como triagem para consulta com oftalmologista e em estudos epidemiológicos com jovens adultos universitários.

Abstract The objectives of the study were to assess the prevalence of self-reported visual impairment among undergraduate students between 18 and 39 years of age at the Federal University of Pelotas, and to validate a question about visual impairment in a subsample of the participants. A cross-sectional study was conducted by asking the question "Do you have any difficulty seeing up close and/or in the distance?" As the gold standard for the validation study, visual acuity (VA) was measured using the Snellen chart. Patients with VA less than 20/40 in either eye were considered to have reduced VA. The prevalence of self-reported visual impairment was 37.3% (95% CI: 35.1-39.6) and VA less than 20/40 in either eye was 6.9% (95% CI: 5.3-8.9). The question revealed sensitivity of 71.4% (95 CI: 57.8-82.7), specificity of 66.9% (95% CI: 63.4-70.2), positive predictive value of 13.8% (95% CI: 10.0-18.3), and negative predictive value of 96.9% (95% CI: 95,1-98.2). The results indicated a high prevalence of self-reported visual impairment among university students. The question showed reasonable sensitivity and specificity and high negative predictive value and may be used for screening for ophthalmological evaluation among young adult university students.

Condições de Saúde bucal e acuidade visual dos estudantes em um município do Baixo Amazonas / Condiciones de salud bucal y agudeza visual de estudiantes en una ciudad de Baixo Amazonas / Oral health and visual acuity conditions of students in a municipality of Baixo Amazonas

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a prevalência da cárie dentária e da deficiência visual nos escolares do ensino fundamental da rede pública de ensino de Barreirinha-AM e verificar os fatores associados a estas condições. Método Estudo transversal, com 1.828 estudantes entre 06 e 17 anos, da rede pública de ensino, Barreirinha. A avaliação da cárie dentária seguiu as recomendações da Organização Mundial da Saúde utilizando os critérios estabelecidos para as condições dentárias, tanto para dentes decíduos, quanto para permanentes: cariados, perdidos e obturados. O índice Significant Caries Index mediu a severidade da cárie dentária nos indivíduos mais afetados com a doença. Realizou-se avaliação para acuidade visual e analisou-se idade, sexo e escola. Resultados Evidenciou-se elevada prevalência de cárie dentária, desigualdade em sua distribuição e associação entre esta doença e sexo (p = 0,005). A prevalência de dificuldades visuais entre os escolares foi baixa. Conclusão e implicações para prática O estudo sugere carência de tratamento odontológico restaurador e elevada prevalência de cárie dentária, evidenciando a necessidade de planejamento e desenvolvimento de ações de promoção de saúde bucal, com o intuito de minimizar os agravos provocados pela doença.

Resumen Objetivo Evaluar la prevalencia de caries dentales y discapacidad visual en estudiantes de la enseñanza primaria del sistema escolar público de Barreirinha-AM, y verificar los factores asociados con estas condiciones. Método Estudio transversal realizado con 1.828 estudiantes entre 06 y 17 años, de escuelas públicas de Barreirinha-AM. La evaluación de las caries dentales siguió las recomendaciones de la Organización Mundial de la Salud, utilizando los criterios establecidos para las condiciones dentales, tanto para dientes temporales como permanentes: cariados, perdidos y obturados. El índice Significant Caries Index midió la gravedad de la carie dental en las personas más afectadas por la enfermedad. Se realizó la evaluación para agudeza visual y se analizó edad, sexo y nivel educativo. Resultados Hubo alta prevalencia de carie dental, desigualdad en su distribución y asociación entre esta enfermedad y el sexo (p = 0,005). La prevalencia de dificultades visuales entre los estudiantes fue baja. Conclusión e implicaciones para la práctica El estudio sugiere una carencia de tratamiento dental restaurador y una alta prevalencia de caries dentales, evidenciando la necesidad de planificación y desarrollo de acciones de promoción a la salud bucal, con el fin de minimizar los problemas ocasionados por la enfermedad.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the prevalence of dental caries and visual acuity deficiency in elementary school students of the public school system in the municipality of Barreirinha- AM and check the factors associated with these conditions. Method Cross-sectional study with 1,828 students aged 6 to 17 in the public school system of the municipality-of Barreirinha-AM. The dental cavity evaluation followed the recommendations of the World Health Organization using the established criteria for dental conditions, for deciduous as for permanent teeth: decayed, missing and filled. The Significant Caries Index was used to measure the dental caries severity in the individuals most affected by this disease. Visual acuity was assessed and age, sex and school were analyzed. Results It became evident high prevalence of dental cavities, inequality in its distribution, and relation between this disease and gender (p=0.005). The visual deficit frequency was low among the students. Conclusion and implications for practice The study indicates a lack of dental restoration treatment and high dental cavity prevalence, highlighting the need for planning and development of oral health promotion actions, with the purpose of minimizing the aggravations caused by the disease.

Effects of the excessive use of electronic screens on vision and emotional state / Efeitos do uso excessivo de telas eletrônicas na visão e no estado emocional

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate relations between electronic screen use and eye health in a representative sample of the Brazilian population. Methods Data were collected online and analyzed at a private Brazilian hospital (Provisão Hospital, Maringá, Brazil). Male and female individuals aged 12 to 35 years participated in the study. A population-based cross-sectional survey based on a questionnaire developed using the Google Forms interface was carried out. The questionnaire was answered anonymously in order to ensure the confidentiality of data and the privacy of participants. Data were collected between October 13, 2020, and January 30, 2021. Results A total of 200 questionnaires were completed. Most responders were young people aged 18 to 27 years. Daily electronic device use time reported by responders ranged from more than 5 hours (150; 75.5%) to 3 to 5 hours/day (28; 14%) or 2 to 3 hours/day (16; 8%). Only a small proportion of responders (2.5%) used these devices less than 1 hour per day. Most participants had myopia (164; 84%) and/or astigmatism (151; 75.5%), whereas keratoconus was less prevalent (34; 17%). However, 92 participants were unable to say whether they had these diseases or not. Most participants reported eye symptoms after screen use (red eyes, fatigue, dry and gritty eyes and blurred vision). Mental issues such as smartphone dependence and difficulties to communicate while using electronic devices were also addressed. Most responders reported dependence and communication problems. Conclusions Most young people in this sample had sings of eye disease, including keratoconus. Smartphone dependence and addition was also observed. Findings presented may inform future studies and help health authorities to properly guide public health strategies aimed at eye disease prevention.

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar o uso de telas na saúde ocular em uma amostra populacional brasileira. Métodos Os dados foram adquiridos on-line, e as análises foram realizadas em uma clínica privada na Região Sul do Brasil. Os participantes foram indivíduos de 12 a 35 anos, de ambos os sexos. Foi realizada pesquisa transversal de base populacional por meio de questionário elaborado na plataforma Google Forms. O questionário foi respondido de forma anônima, mantendo o sigilo dos dados coletados e a privacidade dos participantes. A coleta de dados teve início em 13 de outubro de 2020 e término em 30 de janeiro de 2021. Resultados Foram respondidos 200 questionários. A maioria foi de jovens entre 18 e 27 anos. O tempo de uso de dispositivos eletrônicos durante o dia foi de mais de 5 horas para 150 (75,5%) entrevistados, 28 (14%) gastavam de 3 a 5 horas por dia, 16 (8%) de 2 a 3 horas por dia e uma pequena parte dos entrevistados (2,5%) usava menos de 1 hora por dia. A maioria dos participantes tinha miopia (164; 84%) e/ou astigmatismo (151; 75,5%). Ceratocone foi menos prevalente (34; 17%), entretanto 92 pessoas não sabiam a resposta. A maioria dos participantes teve problemas nos olhos após o uso da tela, como olhos vermelhos, cansados e secos, além de visão turva. Questões mentais, como dependência de smartphones e dificuldade de comunicação durante o uso do dispositivo, também foram abordadas. A maioria dos entrevistados demonstrou dependência e problemas de comunicação. Conclusões A maior parte dos jovens apresentou quadro de doenças oculares, incluindo ceratocone. Dependência e adição de smartphone também foram observados. Esses resultados apoiam a identificação de fatores associados à patologia ocular, servindo de base para estudos futuros, e podem auxiliar às autoridades de saúde no direcionamento adequado das atividades de prevenção e controle em saúde pública.

Vision for the Future Project: Screening impact on the prevention and treatment of visual impairments in public school children in São Paulo City, Brazil

OBJECTIVES: Uncorrected refractive errors are the leading cause of visual impairment in children. In this cross-sectional retrospective study, we analyzed a social visual screening program for school children in São Paulo, Brazil, evaluated its impact on the prevention and treatment of children's visual disabilities, and assessed its epidemiological outcomes to outline suggestions for its improvement. METHODS: First-grade children from public schools were submitted to prior visual screening by their teachers. Selected children were forwarded to the hospital's campaigns for a second screening by ophthalmologists and treatment if needed. Data were analyzed for age, sex, visual acuity, biomicroscopy, refractive errors, ocular movement disorders, amblyopia, number of donated spectacles, and number of children forwarded to specialized care. RESULTS: A total of 1080 children were included with mean age of 6.24±0.45 years. Children with normal ophthalmological exam, 591 (54.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 51.7%-57.7%) were dismissed and considered false-positives. Myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism components were found in 164 (15.2%; CI: 13.1%-17.4%), 190 (17.6%; CI: 15.3%-20.0%), and 330 (30.5%; CI: 27.8%-33.4%) children, respectively. Amblyopia was diagnosed in 54 (5%; CI: 3.5%-6.4%) children, and 117 (10.8%; CI: 9.8%-12.8%) presented ocular movement disorders. A total of 420 glasses were donated. CONCLUSION: Epidemiological findings for amblyopia and refractive errors are consistent with those of similar studies. The expressive number of diagnoses performed and number of glasses donated to underprivileged children depict the importance of such projects. New guidelines to improve their cost-effectiveness, such as professional training and community sensitization, are imperative.

Perfil clínico de pacientes dermatológicos encaminhados para avaliação oftalmológica / Clinical profile of dermatological patients referred to ophthalmological evaluation

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar o perfil clínico de pacientes em acompanhamento dermatológico encaminhados para avaliação oftalmológica. Métodos: A amostra foi composta de pacientes dermatológicos encaminhados para avaliação oftalmológica, nos anos de 2016 e de 2017. Estudou-se a concomitância de doenças dermatológicas com as afecções oftalmológicas por meio da coleta simultânea do histórico dermatológico (prontuários registrados com dados gerais e diagnóstico) e de dados da consulta oftalmológica após o encaminhamento. Resultados: Foram avaliados pela oftalmologia 224 pacientes, sendo 65% do sexo feminino, 80% caucasianos, com idade variando entre 1 mês e 85 anos. As situações cujo encaminhamento foi mais prevalente foram psoríase, lúpus, vitiligo e rosácea (18,3%, 13,8%, 12,9% e 10,7%, respectivamente). Fototerapia crônica e uso de hidroxicloroquina representaram 35,7% e 22,3% dos pacientes. Casos de neurofibromatose, micose fungoide, líquen plano, neoplasias de pele, atopias, pênfigo e esclerodermia também estiveram presentes. Cegueira legal foi detectada em 6%, e deficiências visuais ligadas a afecções dermatológicas foram verificadas em 16,5% dos casos. As alterações oculares mais prevalentes foram catarata (18,9%), blefarite (15,9%), pterígio (5,3%) e conjuntivite (5,3%). Conclusão: Encontrou-se elevada frequência de alterações oftalmológicas em uma população de pacientes com doenças dermatológicas. Assim, o estudo e a análise de manifestações oculares em pacientes dermatológicos podem auxiliar na detecção precoce e na prevenção de complicações.

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the clinical profile of patients under dermatological care and referred to ophthalmological evaluation. Methods: The sample comprised dermatology patients referred to ophthalmological evaluation in 2016 and 2017. The simultaneous occurrence of skin and ophthalmic diseases was studied, by collecting dermatological history (medical records containing general data and diagnosis) and ophthalmic consultation data following referral. Results: A total of 224 patients were assessed, 65% were female, 80% were white, and age varied between one month and 85 years. The conditions more often referred were psoriasis, lupus, vitiligo and rosacea (18.3%, 13.8%, 12.9% and 10.7%, respectively). Chronic phototherapy and use of hydroxychloroquine were observed in 35.7% and 22.3% of patients, respectively. Cases of neurofibromatosis, mycosis fungoides, lichen planus, skin cancer, atopic dermatitis, pemphigus and scleroderma were also reported. Legal blindness was detected in 6% and visual impairment related to skin conditions in 16.5% of patients. The most prevalent ocular changes were cataracts (18.9%), blepharitis (15.9%), pterygium (5.3%) and conjunctivitis (5.3%). Conclusion: A high frequency of ophthalmic changes in a population of dermatological patients was found. In this context, studying and analyzing ocular manifestations in dermatological patients could be useful in early detection and prevention of complications.

Associação entre diabetes mellitus e doenças oculares em pessoas com deficiência visual / Association between diabetes mellitus and eye diseases in people with visual impairment / Asociación entre diabetes mellitus y enfermedades oculares en personas con discapacidad visual

Objetivo: verificar associação entre diabetes mellitus e doenças oculares em pessoas com deficiência visual. Método: estudo transversal com 51 pessoas com diabetes e deficiência visual, em um centro de reabilitação visual do interior paulista, que participaram de entrevista estruturada, em 2018. Utilizou-se os testes: Kolmogorov Smirnov, Regressão de Poisson, Regressão de Logística Binária, e Correlação de Spearman. Resultados: a maioria das pessoas era cega e relatou que a retinopatia diabética, o glaucoma e a catarata foram causa da deficiência visual; com tempo de diagnóstico do diabetes acima de 109 meses. A catarata apresentou um nível de correlação baixa (r=0,280 e p=0,047), e a retinopatia diabética um nível de correlação moderada (r=0,565 e p=0,000), considerando o tempo de diagnóstico do diabetes. Conclusão: associação estatisticamente significante entre o tipo de diabetes e a retinopatia, e correlação estatisticamente significante entre o tempo de diagnóstico do diabetes, a catarata e a retinopatia diabética.

Objective: to verify the association between diabetes mellitus and eye diseases in people with visual impairment. Method: this cross-sectional study involved 51 people with diabetes and visual impairment at a Visual Rehabilitation Center in São Paulo, who participated in a structured interview in 2018. The tests used were: Kolmogorov Smirnov, Poisson Regression, Binary Logistic Regression, and Spearman Correlation. Results: most participants were blind, reported that diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and cataracts were the causes of their visual impairment, and had been diagnosed with diabetes over 109 months earlier. Cataract returned a low level of correlation with time with diagnosis of diabetes (r = 0.280 and p = 0.047), and diabetic retinopathy, moderate correlation (r = 0.565 and p = 0.000). Conclusion: a statistically significant association was found between type of diabetes and retinopathy, and statistically significant correlations between the time diagnosed with diabetes, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy.

Objetivo: verificar la asociación entre diabetes mellitus y enfermedades oculares en personas con discapacidad visual. Método: este estudio transversal involucró a 51 personas con diabetes y discapacidad visual en un Centro de Rehabilitación Visual en São Paulo, quienes participaron en una entrevista estructurada en 2018.Las pruebas utilizadas fueron: Kolmogorov Smirnov, Regresión de Poisson, Regresión Logística Binaria y Spearman Correlación. Resultados: la mayoría de los participantes eran ciegos, informaron que la retinopatía diabética, el glaucoma y las cataratas eran las causas de su discapacidad visual y habían sido diagnosticados con diabetes más de 109 meses antes. La catarata devolvió un bajo nivel de correlación con el tiempo con el diagnóstico de diabetes (r = 0,280 yp = 0,047) y la retinopatía diabética, correlación moderada (r = 0,565 yp = 0,000). Conclusión: se encontró asociación estadísticamente significativa entre tipo de diabetes y retinopatía, y correlaciones estadísticamente significativas entre el tiempo de diagnóstico de diabetes, cataratas y retinopatía diabética.

Determinantes sociales de la salud y la enfermedad visual en caficultores de Caldas, Colombia / Social Determinants of Health and Visual Disease in Coffee Harvesters from Colombia

Introducción: Aunque existen iniciativas globales que buscan mejorar la salud visual en las poblaciones y alcanzar una mayor inclusión social de las personas afectadas con pérdida de la visión, coexisten barreras importantes como la poca accesibilidad y equidad de los servicios de salud y las diferencias económicas y de género que impiden obtener mejores indicadores. Objetivo: Establecer la asociación entre los determinantes sociales de la salud y la enfermedad visual en una comunidad de caficultores en el Departamento de Caldas, Colombia. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo correlacional en el que participaron 1387 caficultores. La información se recolectó en el momento de la valoración por optometría. Se aplicó un cuestionario para explorar los determinantes sociales de la salud estructurales e intermedios y datos relacionados con salud visual. La asociación entre las variables fue establecida a través de la prueba de chi cuadrado. Resultados: La edad promedio fue de 57 años ± 10,7 años, 77,3 por ciento hombres, el 97,2 por ciento pertenecía al estrato socioeconómico bajo y un 73 por ciento habían realizado estudios primarios. Las enfermedades visuales más frecuentes fueron los trastornos de refracción en un 85,7 por ciento, el principal diagnóstico fue la presbicia con una prevalencia de 75,8 por ciento (IC 95 por ciento: 73,5 por ciento; 78,03 por ciento). En el análisis bivariado se encontró asociación estadísticamente significativa (p < 0,05) entre el diagnóstico de optometría y los determinantes sociales de la salud estructurales e intermedios: sexo, estado civil, grupo de edad, nivel educativo, estrato socioeconómico y ocupación. Conclusiones: La enfermedad visual en caficultores se encuentra influenciada por determinantes sociales de la salud estructurales e intermedios, modificables con acciones intersectoriales y transectoriales como el nivel educativo, estrato socioeconómico y la ocupación, los que deben ser incorporados a las políticas públicas para mejorar su calidad de vida y reducir la ceguera prevenible(AU)

Introduction: Although there are global initiatives aimed at improving visual health in populations and at achieving greater social inclusion of people affected with vision loss, important barriers coexist such as poor accessibility and equity of healthcare services and economic and gender-related differences that prevent obtaining better indicators. Objective: To establish the association between the social determinants of health and visual disease in a community of coffee harvesters in the department of Caldas, Colombia. Methods: Descriptive and correlational study with the participation of 1,387 coffee harvesters. The information was collected at the time of optometric assessment. A questionnaire was applied to explore the structural and intermediate social determinants of health and data related to visual health. The association between the variables was established through the chi-square test. Results: The average age was 57 years ± 10.7 years, 77.3 percent were men, 97.2 percent belonged to the low socioeconomic stratum and 73 percent had completed elementary school. The most frequent visual diseases were refractive disorders, account ting for 85.7 percent; and the main diagnosis was presbyopia, with a prevalence of 75.8 percent (95 percent CI: 73.5 percent; 78.03 percent). The bivariate analysis showed a statistically significant association (p<0.05) between the diagnosis of optometry and the structural and intermediate social determinants of health: sex, marital status, age group, educational level, socioeconomic status, and occupation. Conclusions: Visual disease in coffee harvesters is influenced by structural and intermediate social determinants of health, modifiable with intersector and cross-sector actions such as educational level, socioeconomic stratum, and occupation, which must be incorporated into public policies to improve their quality of life and to reduce preventable blindness(AU)

Perfil de población con baja visión que asiste a la unidad de baja visión y rehabilitación visual en un hospital clínico de Chile / Low vision population assisting a unit of low vision and visual rehabilitation in a clinical hospital from Chile

El objetivo de este trabajo fue caracterizar epidemiológica y sociodemográficamente a las personas atendidas en la Unidad de Baja Visión y Rehabilitación Visual del Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile. El método utilizado fue un estudio descriptivo, transversal y retrospectivo de los registros clínicos de las personas atendidas en la Unidad, entre marzo de 2015 a octubre de 2016. Para el análisis se utilizó el software MS Excel, calculando las frecuencias relativas y medidas de posición central y dispersión. En los resultados se observaron un mayor número de pacientes de sexo femenino (55,5%), y adultos mayores de 60 años o más (53,3%). El 73,3% de los pacientes pertenecieron al sistema de salud público y un 35,6% poseían menos de 8 años de estudio. El 80 % de las personas atendidas se encuentra en edad laboral, de éstos un 63,9% se encontraban laboralmente inactivos. Las enfermedades oftalmológicas con mayor frecuencia correspondieron a las enfermedades genéticas del ojo (22,2%) y la degeneración macular relacionada con la edad (17,8%). Un 57,8% de los pacientes presentó alguna patología sistémica asociada a baja visión. Sólo un 6,0% recibió rehabilitación visual anteriormente. Se concluyó que la mayor prevalencia de enfermedades oculares asociadas al envejecimiento como la degeneración macular relacionada con la edad y enfermedades genéticas del ojo, sumado a las características sociodemográficas y en particular a que un 94% de los pacientes no habían tenido acceso a rehabilitación visual, constituyen un perfil que desafía al desarrollo de medidas de salud pública que resguarden la prevención, acceso y rehabilitación, siendo la formación de equipos multidisciplinarios especialistas una necesidad imperiosa.

This work aimed to do a characterization, epidemiological and socio demographical, to the people attended in a Low Vision and Rehabilitation Unit from a Clinical Hospital of the Universidad de Chile. A descriptive, transversal and retrospective method was used for the clinical registers of the people attended in the Unit, between March 2015 to October 2016. For the analysis, a MS Excel software was used, calculating the relative and measured frequencies of central position and dispersion. In the results, a greater number of feminine patients (55. 5%) were observed, and seniors of 60 years or more (53.3%). 73.3% of the patients belonging to the Public Health Care System and 35.6% had less than 8 years of studies. The 80% of attended patients were in working age, from this 63,9% were unemployed. The ophthalmological diseases with more frequency belonged to eye genetic diseases (22.2%) and macular degeneration related to age (17.8%). 57.8% of the patients presented a systematic pathology associated with low vision. Just 6.0% received previous visual rehabilitation. We concluded that the greater prevalence of ocular diseases associated to aging such as macular degeneration related to age and eye genetic diseases added to the sociodemographic features and particularly a 94% of the patients did not have access to visual rehabilitation, represent a profile that challenges the development public health care measures that safeguard the prevention, access, and rehabilitation, being an imperative need the making of specialist multidisciplinary teams.

Visual processing of color and shape in people with leprosy

Abstract The aim of this study was to analyze the contrast sensitivity of spatial luminance and the color discrimination thresholds of the protan, deutan, and tritan axes of people with leprosy. This study included 8 subjects with leprosy (M = 4, W = 4, M = 33.38 ± 8.7) and 8 healthy subjects (M = 4, W = 4, M = 30.89 ± 5.8). The contrast sensitivity was evaluated by the Metropsis software version 11.0 with vertical sinusoidal grids of frequencies of 0.2, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, and 16 cycles per degree of visual angle (cpd) and color vision by the desaturated Lanthony D15 tests and the trivector and ellipse protocols of the Cambridge Color Test. The results showed significant differences between the groups in the processing of spatial frequencies of 0.2 (U = 14; p = .018); 5.0 (U = 45.0; p = .001); 10.0 (U = 45.0; p = .001), and 16.0 (U = 45.0; p = .001) cpd. The difference in color recognition through D15d (U = 4.0; p = .002). Ellipse 2 (U = 10.0; p = .012) and ellipse 3 (U = 9.0; p = .009) were discriminated against. Overall, the results indicate that leprosy changes the visual processing of low, medium, and high spatial frequencies, as well as the sensitivity of the short wavelength (tritan line of confusion) and long (protan line of confusion) cones.

Prevalência de fatores predisponentes de baixa visual em uma população de jovens do Colégio Universitário Geraldo Reis em Niterói - RJ / Prevalence of predisposing factors of low visual acuity in a youth population of the Geraldo Reis University College in Niterói - RJ

Resumo Objetivo: Determinar a prevalência de fatores predisponentes de baixa acuidade visual entre os alunos do Colégio Universitário Geraldo Reis em Niterói-RJ. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo observacional transversal realizados em duas etapas. A primeira realizou-se a medida da acuidade visual dos alunos voluntários que aderiram ao termo de assentimento. Na segunda etapa foram selecionados aqueles alunos cuja acuidade visual não ultrapassaram 0,8 em pelo menos um dos olhos ou que apresentaram diferença de acuidade visual entre os olhos de duas linhas ou mais na tabela de Snellen, sendo encaminhados para avaliação oftalmológica completa no Serviço de Oftalmologia do Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro / Universidade Federal Fluminense. Resultados: Do total de 325 alunos matriculados, 134 (41,2%) participaram da primeira etapa do estudo e, destes, apenas 39 (29%) apresentaram baixa visão. Dos 39 alunos selecionados para a segunda etapa do estudo, apenas 14 (36%) se voluntariaram a prosseguir para avaliação oftalmológica completa, tendo as ametropias (57,14%), a ambliopia (21,42%) e o estrabismo (14,28%) como as principais causas de baixa visual identificadas. Conclusão: A prevalência de baixa visão(low vision=baixa visão tem definição, não se chama baixa visual) para essa comunidade foi de 29% e as principais causas identificadas foram as ametropias, as ambliopias e o estrabismo. Campanhas de conscientização e os problemas de adesão aos programas de triagem devem ser considerados em novos estudos.

Abstract Purpose: To determine the prevalence of predisposing factors of low visual acuity among the students of the Geraldo Reis University College in Niterói-RJ. Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study during which the visual acuity of the volunteer students who adhered to the assent term was measured. Those students whose visual acuity did not exceed 0.8 in at least one eye or who presented a difference between the eyes of two lines or more in the Snellen table were selected for the next stage of the study and were referred for complete ophthalmologic evaluation in the Service of Ophthalmology of the Antônio Pedro University Hospital / Fluminense Federal University. Results: Of the total of 325 students enrolled, 134 (41.2%) participated in the first stage of the study and of these, only 39 (29%) presented visual impairment. Of the 39 students selected for the second phase of the study, only 14 (36%) volunteered to proceed for a complete ophthalmologic evaluation, with ametropias (57.14%), amblyopia (21.42%) and strabismus (14, 28%) as the main causes of visual impairment identified. Conclusion: The prevalence of visual impairment for this community was 29% and the main causes identified were ametropias, amblyopia and strabismus. Awareness campaigns and problems of adherence to screening programs should be considered in new studies.

Self-reported hearing loss and visual impairment in adults from Central Mexico / Autorreporte de pérdida auditiva y discapacidad visual en adultos del centro de México

Abstract: Objective: To determinate the prevalence of hearing loss (HL) and visual impairment (VI) among adult population from Tlaxcala, Mexico. Materials and methods: A population-based cross-sectional study comprising persons 50 years and older was conducted in 2013. Self-reported HL was measured using the Hearing Impairment Inventory for the Elderly (SHIIE) questionnaire; VI was determined using the Snellen tumbling E chart. Results: 900 women and 611 men (mean age 66.1 years) were included. 481(31.8%) individuals had HL (415 alone and 66 combined with VI). Prevalence of HL alone and together with VI was associated with age (per two years, OR=1.03 and OR=1.18, respectively) and self-reported poor health status (OR=1.90 and OR=3.69, respectively). Conclusion: The high prevalence of these disabilities calls for the implementation of public health interventions that help to reduce its impact in the population.

Resumen: Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de discapacidad auditiva (DA) y visual (DV) en adultos del estado de Tlaxcala, México. Material y métodos: Estudio transversal de base poblacional realizado en 2013 que incluye sujetos ≥50 años de edad. La DA se evaluó por autorreporte con el cuestionario Hearing Impairment Inventory for the Elderly (SHIIE); la DV se midió usando la cartilla E rotatoria de Snellen. Resultados: Se evaluaron 900 mujeres y 611 hombres (media=66.1 años). El 31.8% (481) tenía DA (415 sola y 66 con DV). La prevalencia de DA sola o con DV se asoció con edad (por cada dos años, RM=1.03 y RM=1.18, respectivamente) y con autorreporte del estado de salud deficiente (RM=1.90 y RM=3.69, respectivamente). Conclusiones: Se requiere la implementación de intervenciones en salud pública que reduzcan el impacto de estas dos condiciones en la población.

Evaluación oftalmológica en niños derivados a un proyecto de rehabilitación en baja visión de un organismo de apoyo social / Ophthalmological evaluation in children referred to a low-vision rehabilitation project of a social assistance agency

INTRODUCCIÓN: Un niño con baja visión (BV) rehabilitado puede tener una educación integral. Objetivo: Estudiar el perfil de los escolares derivados para evaluación a un Proyecto de Rehabilitación en un organismo de apoyo social. PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: Estudio transversal descriptivo de beneficiarios evaluados entre septiembre 2015 y septiembre 2016 en JUNAEB. Se consideró diagnóstico de derivación, agudeza visual monocular (AV) con corrección óptica para lejos (cartillas Feinbloom) y cerca (cartillas Zeiss). Se clasificaron según AV y perimetría. Se consideró éxito de tratamiento lograr AV > 0,4 para le jos y/o cerca con ayuda óptica. RESULTADOS: Se evaluaron 278 escolares. 153 (55%) fueron hombres, 121(43,5%) entre 10 a 14 años. Catarata congénita bilateral, distrofias retinales, alta miopía, atrofia óptica y nistagmus congénito fueron las patologías más frecuentes. 224 (80,6%) se habilitaron con ayudas. 85 (37,9%) presentaron BV moderada y 63 (28,6%) BV severa. 122 (54,5%) presentaban perimetría normal, 68 (30,4%) campo visual (CV) tubular, 19 (8,5%) defecto sectorial del CV y 15 (6,7%) compromiso central del CV. 198 (88,4%) escolares lograron éxito visual de lejos y todos lograron éxito visual de cerca. 48 (17,2%) escolares no pudieron ser rehabilitados, estando asocia dos a una afección neuroftalmológica (41,7%), alto error refractivo (16,6%) o glaucoma congénito (10,4%). 6 (2,2%) casos mejoraron su AV con nueva corrección óptica. CONCLUSIÓN: El éxito obtenido demuestra la necesidad de habilitar visualmente a escolares con BV. Nuestro desafío es mantener este programa y educar al oftalmólogo prestador para una derivación oportuna.

INTRODUCTION: A low-vision (LV) rehabilitated child can receive comprehensive education. OBJECTIVE: To study the profile of school children referred for evaluation to a rehabilitation project in a social assistance agency. PATIENTS AND METHODS and Method: Descriptive cross-sectional study of beneficiaries evaluated between September 2015 and September 2016 in the National Board of School Assistan ce and Scholarships (JUNAEB). The referral diagnosis, monocular visual acuity (VA) with optical correction at far (Feinbloom chart) and close (Zeiss chart) distances were considered. They were classified according to VA and perimetry. Treatment success was considered if VA reaches > 0.4 at far and/or close distances with optical devices. RESULTS: 278 students were assessed. 153 (55%) were men, 121 (43.5%) between the ages of 10 to 14. Bilateral congenital cataract, retinal dystrophies, high myopia, optic atrophy, and congenital nystagmus were the most frequent pathologies. 224 students (80.6%) received optical devices. 85 (37.9%) presented moderate LV and 63 (28.6%) severe LV; 122 (54.5%) presented normal perimetry, 68 (30.4%) tubular Visual Field (VF), 19 (8.5%) sectoral VF defects, and 15 (6.7%) central scotoma. 198 (88.4%) students achieved visual success at a far distance and all achieved visual success at a near distance. 48 (17.2%) students could not be rehabilitated due to a neuro-ophthalmological condition (41.7%), high refractive error (16.6%) or congenital glauco ma (10.4%).Six (2.2%) cases improved VA with a new optical correction. CONCLUSION: This success demonstrates the need to provide low vision aids to schoolchildren with LV. Our challenge is to maintain this program and to educate ophthalmologist for timely referral.

Central serous chorioretinopathy risk factors in the mid-Euphrates region, Iraq

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is an ophthalmic disorder that often affects young male patients under psychological stres and is clinically characterized by blurring of vision, metamorphopsia, a visual abnormality in which normally straight lines appears curved, and micropsia, a visual abnormality in which objects appear smaller than normal. The annual incidence of the condition is not well recognized in our country. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to highlight the incidence rate of CSC in our community and to make an insight on possible associated risk factors. This cross-sectional study included 92 patients with vissual impairment that has been proved due to central serous chorioretinoplathy (CRC). The sample included 68 males and 24 females. The sample of CRC was all the available patients visiting ophthalmology unit at Al-Diwaniyah teaching hospital and at the ophthalmology unit at Medical Committee Instituion, both these health centers lie at Al-Diwaniyah province, mid-Euphrates region, Iraq. A rough estimation of the annual incidence of CRC in this mid-Euphrates region of Iraq was 3.5 per 100.000. Mean age of patients was 43.02 ± 4.71 years, and the disease was 2.83 times more common in males. The main possible risk factors are psychosocial stress and steroid therapy. CRC is common in our community, and the main possible risk factors are psychosocial stress, and steroid use and these associations need to be validated in a large longitudinal study or at least a case-control study

National survey of blindness and visual impairment in Guatemala, 2015 / Pesquisa nacional sobre cegueira e deficiência visual na Guatemala, 2015

ABSTRACT - Purpose: To estimate the prevalence of blindness and visual impairment in older adults living in Guatemala. Methods: Participants ³50 years of age were selected using random cluster sampling and evaluated using the Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness method. Visual acuity was measured, and the lens was examined. If presenting visual acuity was <20/60, it was also tested with a pinhole and fundoscopy was performed. Blindness and visual impairment were classified as moderate visual impairment (presenting visual acuity <20/60 to 20/200), severe visual impairment (presenting visual acuity <20/200 to 20/400), or blindness (presenting visual acuity <20/400). The primary cause of blindness or visual impairment in each eye was determined, and if the cause was cataracts, the barriers to treatment were assessed. Results: The study included 3,850 people ³50 years of age, of whom 3,760 (97.7%) were examined. The age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of blindness was 2.9% (95% confidence interval, 2.0%-3.8%), while 5.2% (4.0%-6.4%) presented with severe visual impairment, and 27.6% (23.3%-32.0%) presented with moderate visual impairment. Cataracts were the leading cause of blindness (77.6%), followed by other posterior segment diseases (6.0%). Cataracts caused 79.4% of cases of severe visual impairment, while uncorrected refractive errors caused 67.9% of cases of moderate visual impairment. Following cataract surgery, 75% of participants had a presenting visual acuity of 20/200 or better, and in 19.0% of participants, visual acuity was not better than 20/200 with correction. Cost was the main barrier to cataract surgery (56.7%). Conclusions: The prevalence of blindness in older adults is higher in Guatemala than in most Central American countries. Most cases of blindness and visual impairment were either preventable or treatable. Increased availability of affordable, high-quality cataract treatment would have a substantial impact on blindness prevention.

RESUMO - Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência de cegueira e de­fi­ciência visual em idosos que vivem na Guatemala. Métodos: Indivíduos com idade ³50 anos foram selecionados por amos­tragem aleatória por conglomerados, e os participantes do estudo foram avaliados pelo método de Avaliação Rápida da Cegueira Evitável. A acuidade visual foi medida e o cristalino foi examinado. Se a acuidade visual apresentada fosse <20/60, então também foi testada com um buraco estenopeico e a fundoscopia realizada. A cegueira e a deficiência visual foram classificadas como deficiência visual moderada com acuidade visual <20/60-20/200; deficiência visual grave com acuidade visual <20/200-20/400; ou cegueira com acuidade visual <20/400. A principal causa de cegueira ou deficiência visual em cada olho foi determinada, e naqueles com catarata, as barreiras ao tratamento foram avaliadas. Resultados: O estudo incluiu 3.850 pessoas com ³50 anos de idade; 3.760 (97,7%) foram examinadas. A prevalência de cegueira ajustada à idade e ao sexo foi de 2,9% (intervalo de confiança de 95%, 2,0-3,8%), 5,2% (4,0-6,4%) deficiência visual grave e 27,6% (23,3-32,0%) deficiência visual moderada. A catarata foi a principal de cegueira (77,6%), seguida de outras doenças do segmento posterior (6,0%). Catarata causada por 79,4% de deficiência visual grave, enquanto erros refrativos não corrigidos causaram 67,9% de deficiência visual moderada. Após a cirurgia de catarata, 75% dos participantes tiveram uma acuidade de 20/200, ou melhor, e 19,0% a deficiência visual não foi melhor do que 20/200 com a correção. O custo foi a principal barreira à cirurgia de catarata (56.7%). Conclusões: A prevalência de cegueira em idosos é maior na Guatemala do que na maioria dos outros países da América Central. A maioria dos casos de cegueira e deficiência visual era evitável ou tratável. O aumento da disponibilidade de tratamento de catarata a preços acessíveis e de alta qualidade teria um impacto substancial na prevenção da cegueira.

Triagem oftalmológica em 510 alunos de escolas públicas: desenvolvimento de um projeto social de grande abrangência / Ophthalmologic screening in 510 students of public schools: development of a comprehensive social project

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência de crianças com dificuldade visual em triagens realizadas em 3 escolas públicas de Aracaju-SE, estimar a distribuição dos erros refrativos e usar os dados para planejamento de uma ação social mais extensa em todas as escolas públicas da cidade. Métodos: Estudo transversal, com medida da acuidade visual (AV), na forma de triagem. Foram analisados idade, gênero, AV, frequência dos principais erros refrativos, médias de equivalente esférico e cilindro das crianças com AV pior ou igual a 0,7 em qualquer olho, diferença superior a 0,2 entre os olhos, sinais de doenças oculares ou se já fizessem uso de óculos. Resultados: Foram avaliadas 510 crianças nas 3 escolas. A idade média foi 9,1 ± 1,6 anos. Gênero masculino correspondeu a 50,4%. Das 154 crianças (30%) que necessitaram de consulta mais detalhada, 97 se dirigiram à consulta. Destas, 51 tiveram indicação de uso de óculos. Míopes corresponderam a 44,1% dos olhos, hipermetropia a 15,6% e astigmatismo a 82,3%. A idade média das crianças com indicação de uso de óculos foi 9,5 ± 1,7 anos. Considerando-se que há em torno de 15 mil crianças entre o 1º e o 3º anos do ensino fundamental matriculadas nas escolas públicas de Aracaju, pode-se estimar que aproximadamente 30% delas necessitarão de consulta oftalmológica, correspondendo a 4500 atendimentos (2000 a 2500 destas deverão precisar de óculos). Conclusão: Conclui-se que aproximadamente um terço das crianças em idade escolar neste estudo apresentou dificuldade visual durante a triagem. Após avaliação oftalmológica, foram prescritos óculos para pouco mais da metade. Astigmatismo foi o erro de refração mais prevalente. Os dados obtidos foram utilizados para o planejamento de importante ação social a ser desenvolvida pela Sociedade Sergipana de Oftalmologia.

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the prevalence of visually impaired children at screening in three public schools in Aracaju-SE, to estimate the distribution of refractive errors and to use the data to develop a more comprehensive social project in all public schools of town. Methods: Cross-sectional study with visual acuity (VA) measurement at screening. Age, gender, VA, frequency of the main refractive errors, spherical equivalent and cylinder of those children with VA lower than or equal to 0.7 in any eye, difference greater than 0.2 between the eyes, signs of eye diseases or if they already wore glasses. Results: A total of 510 children were evaluated in 3 schools. Mean age was 9.1 ± 1.6 years. Males were 50.4%. Of the 154 children (30%) who required a more detailed examination, 97 went to the office. Of these, 51 had a prescription of glasses. Myopes accounted for 44.1% of the eyes, hypermetropia to 15.6% and astigmatism to 82.3%. Mean age of children with glasses was 9.5 ± 1.7 years. Considering that there are 15 thousand children between the 1st and 3rd years of elementary school, it can be estimated that approximately 30% will require ophthalmological consultation, corresponding to 4500 consultations (2000 to 2500 of these should need glasses). Conclusion: We conclude that approximately one-third of school-age children in this study had visual impairment during screening. After ophthalmological evaluation, glasses were prescribed for just over half. Astigmatism was the most prevalent refractive error in the 3 schools of the study. The data obtained were used for the planning of important social project to be developed by Sergipe's Society of Ophthalmology.

Barriers between community screening for visual problems and treatments in a tertiary center

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of mobile ophthalmic unit screenings and to investigate barriers between community care and resolution of the problem at a tertiary center. METHODS This prospective study evaluated a convenience sample from 10 municipalities in São Paulo State, Brazil. Patients were assessed in the municipality by a mobile ophthalmic unit and underwent a complete ophthalmic consultation. Patients were referred as warranted to a tertiary hospital. RESULTS The mobile ophthalmic unit screened 1,928 individuals and 714 (37%) were referred. The mean age of the referred patients was 57.12 (SD = 19.5) years with best corrected visual acuity of 0.37 (SD = 0.36) logMAR. Forty-seven (6.6%) patients were blind and 185 (26.5%) were visually impaired. Cataracts (44.7%) and pterygium (14.7%) accounted for most referrals. Of those referred, 67.1% presented to the tertiary center. The diagnosis by the mobile ophthalmic unit corresponded to the one by the tertiary center in 88.5% of the cases. There were a significantly higher number of blind and visually impaired persons among those who presented to the hospital. There was a significantly greater attendance among patients living in more distant municipalities from the reference center with a higher number of inhabitants and a greater number of ophthalmologists in the cities of origin (p < 0.05, all comparisons). Complete treatment was performed in 65.6% of patients, and loss to follow-up was the main cause of incomplete treatment in 50.7% of patients. A total of 313 cataract surgeries were performed, which reduced the number of blind patients from 20 to 2 and of visually impaired individuals from 87 to 2 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Only 37% of the patients assessed by a mobile ophthalmic unit required referral to a tertiary hospital. Among the referred patients, 67.1% presented to the hospital, and complete resolution after treatment was approximately 65.5%. There was a significant improvement in visual acuity and a reduction in the prevalence of blindness and visual impairment postoperatively.