Ocular Morbidity in School going Children of Kolar District, South India

Abstract

Background: Prevalence of blindness in children is estimated to be around 1.25/1000 in rural and 0.53/1000 in urban areas. School eye screening children is useful in detecting correctable causes of decreased vision, especially refractive errors and minimizing long-term visual disability. This information is important in planning eye care programs to reduce the burden of visual impairment among them. Our school eye health survey was implemented with the aim of prevention of blindness by early detection and treatment of eye health problems. Materials and Methods: In this study 2680 children, aged 6-16 years from schools were screened for detecting ophthalmic problems. SPSS software and the Chi-square test were used for statistical analysis. Results: Prevalence of ocular morbidities was 13.32%, among them refractive errors were 89.63%, allergic conjunctivitis 5.88%, Vitamin-A deficiency 5.6%, squint 3.92%, lid infections 3.64%, and amblyopia 2.24%. On correction 93.75% children improved to normal vision. Prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis and lid infections were significantly more in government schools (P=<0.05). Conclusion: Refractive errors were the most common ocular morbidity followed by allergic conjunctivitis and Vitamin A deficiency. Identifying and treating these children along with health education and awareness about hygienic eye care will reduce the visual morbidity. KEYWORDS: Ocular morbidity, School children, Health education