[Epidemiologic study of hyperopia in schoolchildren in Tunisia]

ABSTRACT

To study the epidemiological profile and the degree of severity of hyperopia in Tunisia primary school and to assess its effect on school performance. A cross-sectional, descriptive survey was conducted among 6-14 aged Tunisian children attending primary urban and rural schools. A total of 6192 children were selected using stratified random cluster sampling. Cycloplegic refractive error was measured among all children with uncorrected visual acuity less than 9/10 or signs of astheniopia. Hyperopia was defined as spherical equivalent [SE] >/= 2.0 diopters [D]. We have also searched a possible relation between degree of severity of hyperopia and school performance. The prevalence of hyperopia was 2.61%. The spherical equivalent mean was + 3.73 +/- 0.94 D. The mean age was 9.67 +/- 0.44 years. This prevalence was 2.77% in boys and 2.47% in girls. 3.13% of students were living in urban areas and 1.42% in rural areas. The hyperopia rate decreased significantly with age [p = 0.021], but it was not significantly related to gender [p=0.54]. The difference in the prevalence of hyperopia between urban and rural areas was not statistically significant [p = 0.067]. There was no significant association between the degree of severity of hyperopia and school performance [p=0.41]. In our study, the prevalence of hyperopia among schoolage children in Tunisia was 2.61%.The identification of this refractive error and its correction as soon as possible would ensure these children better visual comfort and a better education