Simple Vision Screening in Lower Primary School Children in Port Harcourt City
port harcourt med. J
;
23(3): 239-246, 2009.
Article
in English
| AIM
| ID: biblio-1274061
ABSTRACT
Background:
Vision disorders are significant causes of morbidity worldwide and in children; can lead to life long visual impairment or blindness. Thus; the impact on a child's education and life if not detected and ameliorated on time; can constitute a huge socio-economic burden to the child; family and community.Aim:
To determine the prevalence of reduced vision in lower primary school children in Port Harcourt city.Methods:
A multi-staged sampling technique was used to select 1;234 lower primary school pupils from 12 schools in Port Harcourt for visual screening. Visual acuity (VA) measurements using Snelling's charts; and a basic eye examination using a pen torch was carried out in all the pupils. Vision was regarded as reduced if VA is 6/18; in which case a pinhole was presented to the affected eye and VA repeated; to check for presence of refractive error.Results:
A total of 1;234 school children were screened; 73 pupils had reduced vision in one or both eyes giving a prevalence of 5.9. Refractive errors accounted for 72.6of cases of reduced vision. Gross external eye abnormalities accounted for 9.6of cases of reduced vision; with corneal opacity and nystagmus being the most commonly seen.Conclusion:
Reduced vision is an important cause of visual disability in primary school pupils in Port Harcourt city; mostly due to correctable refractive errors. There is therefore a need for routine vision screening of all pupils; especially on commencement of school for early detection and treatment; to prevent life long visual disability
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Index:
AIM (Africa)
Main subject:
Schools
/
Vision, Ocular
/
Vision Disorders
Type of study:
Diagnostic study
/
Risk factors
/
Screening study
Language:
English
Journal:
Port harcourt med. J
Year:
2009
Type:
Article
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