Eye and vision defects in under-five-year-old children in Oman: a public health intervention study

ABSTRACT

To identify under-five-year old children with vision or ocular defect in two provinces [Wilayats] of central Oman in 2006. Public health intervention study. Ocular examination in Manah Wilayat was conducted by nursing staff of the primary health center [PHC] and in Mudhaiby Wilayat was conducted by a trainee Omani optometrist Abnormal sized eyeball, strabismus nystagmus and white pupil were recorded. Visual acuity was tested by LOGMAR chart with Lea's symbols in children >2 years of age and preferential viewing was assessed by Lea's grating paddle or 'Hiding Heidi' picture in children children, three children had absent eyeball bilaterally and three had unilaterally absent eyeball. Strabismus and nystagmus were detected in 44 [2.9%] and 18 [12%] children respectively 'Hiding Heidi' test was normal in 530/537 [87%] of children. Distant vision reading was >/= 0.32 in 386/448 [86.2%] eyes. Preferential looking test suggested that half of the children had defective vision [>2cpcm]. Screening at '1-2 year' and '3-4 years' age group could significantly predict eye problems [P Eye and vision screening of under-five kids helped in detection of eye problems in early stages. Instead of universal screening, high risk population or children of '3 to 4' years for vision and '1 to 2' years for ocular abnormalities is proposed The existing health services could not detect some children with eye problems and they were identified during such screening