Prevalência de erros refrativos em escolares da primeira série do ensino fundamental da região Nordeste do Rio Grande do Sul

Visual acuity and academic performance of students in a Brazilian Amazon municipality

“…19 Most studies indicate that women of all ages in all regions of the world have a considerably higher risk of being visually impaired in relation to men, especially in the case of higher life expectancy, and in those societies with considerable reduction of purchasing power, due to the limited access to health services. 5 The low frequency of reduced visual acuity found in the present study corroborates the results of similar studies, such as those performed in Londrina (PR) with 17.1%, 3 in Pelotas (RS) with 15.1%, 1 in Sorocaba (SP) with 13.1%, 20 in Manaus (AM) with 7%, 21 in Passo Fundo (RS) with 10.9%, 8 in Pouso Alegre (MG) with 11.4%, 19 in Curitiba (PR) with 7.03%, 18 and in Belo Horizonte (MG) with 10.3%. 9 In any case, it is suggested that joint prevention programs of the Health and Education Departments be strengthened, in order to guarantee continuous decline of the visual deficit and consequent improvement of the students eye health.…”

“…3,4,8,18 The evaluation and detection of possible eye diseases should be performed as early as possible, since the longer the delay in the determination of visual problems, the lower are the chances of recovery and correction of the problem. 16 Because it is a simple method of measuring visual acuity, the Snellen Optometric Scale can be used as an instrument for the early screening of ophthalmological problems, mainly in municipalities with few financial or social-technical resources.…”

“…7 There is unanimity among the experts regarding the relevance of the early detection of visual problems, since they prevent serious future problems and contribute to the prevention of permanent damage to vision. 4,8,9 In Brazil, studies point to visual problems as the precursors of headaches, dizziness, visual fatigue and red eyes among Basic Education students. 4 From a public health point of view, the investigation of eye problems by ophthalmologists through mass examination in children is very expensive.…”

“…4 From a public health point of view, the investigation of eye problems by ophthalmologists through mass examination in children is very expensive. 8 The Snellen Optometric Scale visual acuity test is one of the best indicators of visual function, given that the examiner doesn't need to have a high level of specialization, or extensive training, nor does it require great effort on behalf of the patient or even sophisticated equipment for comprehension. 8,10,11 Indeed, once there is suspicion of eye problems, the test should be provided as soon as possible, 12 in order to avoid higher expenses, since the cost of Ophthalmology by SUS [Brazil's Unified Health System] represents the third largest budget per specialty, being surpassed only by the cost of cardiology and oncology.…”

“…8 The Snellen Optometric Scale visual acuity test is one of the best indicators of visual function, given that the examiner doesn't need to have a high level of specialization, or extensive training, nor does it require great effort on behalf of the patient or even sophisticated equipment for comprehension. 8,10,11 Indeed, once there is suspicion of eye problems, the test should be provided as soon as possible, 12 in order to avoid higher expenses, since the cost of Ophthalmology by SUS [Brazil's Unified Health System] represents the third largest budget per specialty, being surpassed only by the cost of cardiology and oncology. 13 The range of studies on low visual acuity in the Amazon Region is limited, which is why this study's importance arises, aiming to verify the deficiency in visual acuity in elementary education students of the public school system in the urban area of Barcelos -Amazonas, as well as to evaluate its association with their academic performance.…”