Prevalence of refractive errors and eye disorders among primary school children in Al-Kut City, Wasit Governorate, Iraq

Abstract

This study was designed to estimate the prevalence of refractive errors and other eye disorders among primary school children in Al-Kut city at Wasit Governorate, Iraq. In this population-based cross-sectional study of primary school children (age 6-12 years) a sample of 1000 children from 4 different primary schools of both sexes were selected. All schools were in Al-Kut city. Our team visited the selected schools and examined the children for presenting visual acuity followed by manifest refraction, external eye, anterior segment and posterior segment, and ocular alignment and motility. Positive cases were referred later to Al-Zahra Teaching Hospital, ophthalmology department for more comprehensive examination and management. Refractive errors include myopia, defined as a spherical equivalent (SE) of at least -0.50 Diopter (D), hypermetropia SE at least +1.0 D, and astigmatism at least 1.0 D cylinder. The prevalence of refractive errors was (20.7 %); myopia (16.3 %), hypermetropia (4.5 %), and astigmatism (10.0 %). Refractive errors are common in this age group. They were the main cause of visual impairment. Because they have a significant medical, social, and financial impact on society, early attention to this problem is important to avoid the long-term effects of amblyopia and poor school performance. It was concluded that our screening program is an effective strategy where all children enrolling in primary schools are examined compulsorily to eliminate this treatable cause of visual impairment.