Prevalence and pattern of refractive errors among primary school children in Al Hassa , Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Some 12.8 million in the age group 5–15 years are visually impaired from uncorrected or inadequately corrected refractive errors. In Saudi Arabia, the size of this public health problem is not well defined especially among primary schoolchildren. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to assess the prevalence and pattern of refractive errors among primary school children in Al Hassa, Saudi Arabia. A total of 2246 Saudi primary school children aged 6 to 14 years of both genders were selected using multistage sampling method form 30 primary schools located in the three different areas of Al Hassa. School children were interviewed to collect demographics and vision data using a special data collection form followed by screening for refractive errors by trained optometrists within the school premises using a standardized protocol. Assessment of visual acuity and ocular motility evaluation were carried out and cover-uncover test was performed. Children detected with defective vision were referred for further examination employing subjective refraction with auto refractometer and objective refraction using streak retinoscopy after 1% cyclopentolate. Of the screened school children (N=2002), the overall prevalence of refractive errors was 13.7% (n=274), higher among females (Odds ratio, OR=1.39, P=0.012) and significantly more among students of rural residence (OR=2.40, P=0.001). The prevalence of refractive errors was disproportionately more among those aged 12-14 years (OR=9.02, P=0.001). Only 9.4% of students with poor vision were wore spectacles for correction. Myopia was the most commonly encountered refractive error among both genders (65.7% of the total errors encountered). Uncorrected refractive errors affected a sizable portion of primary school children in Al Hassa, Saudi Arabia. Primary schoolchildren especially females, rural and older children represents high risk group for refractive errors for which the included children were unaware.

Parents' Perceptions towards the Role of School Health Units at Early Detection of Ocular Disorders among Students in Qassim Province, Saudi Arabia

“…Those who failed to obtain follow-up claimed that they had not been informed of their child's screening failure. Al Wadaani et al (2013) in contrast found that although the reported better access into eye care services in Al-Hassa, KSA, the prevalence of visual impairment from uncorrected refractive errors in some regions appears to be higher in urban areas than rural areas. Screening can enable important health problems to be identified earlier, offering effective interventions, but it is futile if follow-up or treatment is unavailable (Mathers, Keyes, & Wright, 2010).…”

“…Powell, Wedner, and Richardson (2005) reported that in normal visual development, changes in refractive error occur in the first few years of life. Undoubtedly, vision screening of preschool age and school children is a fundamental priority in detecting visual disorders, and preventing or correcting them at the appropriate time (Al Wadaani, Amin, Ali, & Khan, 2013;Bardisi & Bin Sadiq, 2002).…”

“…Although preschool visual screening in Saudi Arabia aims to early identify children with visual problems, students were just screened for distance vision (Al Wadaani et al, 2013;Rowaily & Alanizi, 2010). Some studies have revealed that the current vision screenings of the school health units (SHUs) are still insufficient.…”

Prevalence of Myopia and its Related Risk Factors among Medical Students in Saudi Arabia

“…Another study from KSA, has examined 2246 Saudi primary school children aged 6 to 14 years of both genders. The study found that myopia was the most frequently met refractive error among both genders (65.7% of the total errors encountered) [4]. Another cross-sectional survey conducted in KSA included 21 primary schools with of 5176 children (mean age 9.5±1.8 years), the inclusive prevalence of RE was 18.6%, and astigmatism and myopia were the most common refractive error [3].…”

“…In the kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the prevalence of refractive error among children was up to 18.5% [3]. In study from Saudi Arabia investigated 2246 Saudi primary school children aged 6 to 14 years, Myopia was the most commonly encountered refractive error among both genders (65.7% of the total errors encountered [4].…”