Prevalence and risk factors for myopia

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of refractive errors especially myopia in school children and to study risk factors for myopia. During the period between February 2003 and February 2004, 1320 school children aged 8- 17 years attending pediatric and internal medicine clinic in Royal Medical Services for non ophthalmologic complaints were evaluated. A questionnaire was given to each child or his parents including information about parent's education and occupation, if there is a sibling wearing spectacles, ethnic group and the duration spent for near work. Visual acuity was assessed using Snellen's E-chart and any patient with visual acuity of less than 6/12 or with eye abnormality was referred to ophthalmology clinic for detailed eye examination. Eye examination included Snellen's visual acuity testing, anterior segment examination via slit lamp, posterior segment examination after mydriasis via indirect ophthalmoscope and cycloplegic refraction. The results revealed that 77 children [5.8%] had significant refractive errors. Myopia was the leading refractive error [4.8%]. Young age, female sex, educated parents, family history for sibling wearing spectacles and prolonged near work were all risk factors for developing myopia. The study concluded that the prevalence of refractive errors especially myopia is considered to be high in school children in Jordan; therefore an eye screening program is indicated in this region

role of radiology in diagnosis of asymptomatic uveitis patients

This study aimed to investigate whether radiological investigation aid in diagnosis of asymptomatic uveitis patients and to reveal the incidence of ankylosing spondylitis and sarcoidosis in these patients. During the period between July 2003 and May 2004, fifty three patients aged between 8-64 years attending ophthalmology clinic in Royal Medical Services with uveitis without any systemic complaints were included in this study. Ophthalmologic examination included Snellen's visual acuity assessment, slit lamp anterior segment examination and fundus examination after mydriasis via indirect ophthalmoscope were done. All patients were referred to pediatric and internal medicine clinic according to their age whereby a full medical history was taken and a physical examination was done. All patients were referred to radiologist. Chest X-ray for lung parenchyma and hilar lymphadenopathy and lumbosacral spine were done. Further tests were done if needed to diagnosis ankylosing spondylitis and sarcoidosis if suspected. All patients with traumatic uveitis were excluded from the study. The results revealed that seven patients [13.2%] and three patients [5.7%] were diagnosed to have ankylosing spondylitis and sarcoidosis, respectively. The remaining forty three patients [81.1%] were labeled as undetermined uveitis entities. 18.9% of asymptomatic uveitis patients were found to have either ankylosing or sarcoidosis. This highlights the importance of radiological investigations including chest X-ray and lumbosacral spine in these patients