Background: The ability to read efficiently and comfortably is important in the intellectual development and academic performance of a child. Some children experience difficulties when reading due to symptoms related to near vision anomalies. Aim: To explore the feasibility of conducting a large study to determine the prevalence, distribution and characteristics of near vision anomalies in high school children in Empangeni, South Africa. Methods: The study was a cross sectional descriptive pilot study designed to provide preliminary data on prevalence, distribution and characteristics of near vision anomalies in a sample of high school-children in South Africa. Study participants comprised 65 Black children (30 males and 35 females), ages ranged between 13 and 19 years with a mean age and standard deviation of 17 ± 1.43 years. The visual functions evaluated and the techniques used included visual acuity (LogMAR acuity chart), refractive error (autorefractor and subjective refraction), heterophoria (von Graefe), near point of convergence (push-in-to-double), amplitude of accommodation (push-in-to-blur) accommodation facility (± 2 D flipper lenses), relative accommodation, accommodation response (monocular estimation method) and fusional vergences (step vergence with prism bars). Possible associations between symptoms and near vision anomalies were explored using a 20-point symptoms questionnaire. Results: Prevalence estimates were: Myopia 4.8%, hyperopia 1.6% and astigmatism 1.6%.  For accommodative anomalies, 1.6% had accommodative insufficiency while 1.6% had accommodative infacility. For convergence anomalies, 3.2% had receded near point of convergence, 16% had low suspect convergence insufficiency, no participant had high suspect convergence insufficiency, 1.6% had definite convergence insufficiency and 3.2% had convergence excess. Female participants reported more symptoms than the males and the association between clinical measures and symptoms were not remarkable. Conclusion: Although the overall prevalence of near vision anomalies was low,  convergence anomalies were found to be more prevalent than refractive and accommodative anomalies. Symptoms were not significantly associated with near vision anomalies.  Overall, the pilot project reveals that it is feasible to conduct the study on a large scale with minor modifications. Identification and referrals for near vision anomalies are important steps towards diagnosis and treatment which will minimize discomfort with reading and subsequent poor performance which may be associated with such anomalies.

The prevalence of refractive error in the sample of high school children was relatively low. Myopia was the most prevalent, and findings on its association with age suggest that the prevalence of myopia may be stabilizing at late teenage years.

Background: Contact lens usage is becoming increasingly popular amongst young people. Assessing their knowledge, attitudes and practices in relation to contact lens wear is therefore important, so that gaps in understanding or incorrect practices can be rectified to promote continued safety and success of contact lens wear. Objectives: This study aimed to assess and describe the knowledge, attitudes and practices of contact lens wearers aged 18 to 30 years, in the greater Durban area of South Africa. Methods: A semi-structured questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practice of the participants. Results: Two hundred and forty six participants completed the survey. Young contact lens wearers in this sample generally had poor knowledge with regards to appropriate hygiene and contact lens wear complications. Despite wearers exhibiting a positive attitude with satisfactory hand hygiene and lens cleaning practices, important aspects such as lens case hygiene, storage and lens removal practices were found to be unsatisfactory. Compliance with after-care visits was also unsatisfactory. Conclusion: There is a need for contact lens practitioners to educate young contact lens wearers regarding appropriate contact lens-related care, to promote long term ocular health and contact lens-related safety. Keywords: Contact lens use; adolescent population; South Africa.