Eye diseases in children in Southern Jordan

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of refractive errors and certain eye diseases in children in southern Jordan. METHODS: In the period between May 2001 and April 2002, 1725 patients (6-14 years of age) visiting the Pediatric Clinics in Prince Ali Hospital, Jordan for non ophthalmologic complaints were tested by a pediatrician for their visual acuity (VA) using a Snellen's E-chart. Patients with suspected eye abnormalities and those with VA of < 6/12 were referred for further detailed eye examination. RESULTS: Twelve patients had bilateral VA of < 6/12, and an additional 5 patients had unilateral VA of < 6/12. Strabismus was seen in 9 patients (0.5%), and amblyopia in 5 patients (0.3%). Vernal keratoconjunctivitis was seen in 26 patients (1.5%). CONCLUSION: It is important to conduct a large study, perhaps a multicenter study to evaluate the eye diseases in developing countries.