RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The prevalence rates and specific risk factors for development of eye conditions among Asian-Pacific Islander schoolchildren are unknown. This information is necessary to understand their eye care needs and to improve access to eye care for this rapidly growing population. METHODS: Data obtained from a computer database of vision screening examinations conducted by the UCLA Mobile Eye Clinic from October 1987 through December 1996 were analyzed for 2,687 Asian-Pacific Islander schoolchildren between 5 and 7 years of age. RESULTS: Myopia (8.9%) and astigmatism (15.8%) represented the majority of visual disorders. Mean myopic refractive error was -1.21 +/- 0.83 D among bilateral myopes. Color-vision deficiency was prevalent among 2.8% of male children, extraocular muscle imbalance among 3.0% of children, and amblyopia among 1.0% of children. All other conditions were present in less than 4% of children screened. CONCLUSIONS: Asian-Pacific Islander schoolchildren may be at higher risk for development of juvenile myopia than white, Hispanic, and African-American children. Prevalence rates of other disorders are comparable to those obtained for other ethnic groups. This information can be used in planning to meet the eye care needs of Asian-Pacific Islander schoolchildren.