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Ocular morbidity in schoolchildren in Kathmandu
B P Nepal1, S Koirala, S Adhikary
1BP Koirala Lions Center For Ophthalmic Studies, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal. bp50np25@hotmail.com
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|April 26, 2003
Summary
A school eye screening program in Nepal found 11% of children have eye diseases, most of which are preventable. This highlights the need for regular eye check-ups for schoolchildren to address common issues like refractive errors and amblyopia.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Limited data exists on eye diseases among schoolchildren in Nepal.
- A program was initiated to offer basic eye screenings and collect data on ocular morbidity in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of ocular morbidity in Nepalese schoolchildren.
- To provide essential eye care services to underserved students.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive eye examination was performed on all children in selected poor government schools.
- Services included slit lamp examination, fundus evaluation, retinoscopy, and subjective refraction.
Main Results:
- 11% of 1100 schoolchildren exhibited ocular morbidity, with 97% being preventable or treatable.
- Refractive errors, particularly myopia (4.3%), were the most common condition (8.1%), with 12.4% developing amblyopia.
- Strabismus (1.6%), traumatic eye injuries (0.54%), xerophthalmia (0.36%), and congenital abnormalities (0.36%) were less frequent.
Conclusions:
- School eye screening and intervention programs are effective for countries like Nepal.
- Early detection and treatment of eye diseases in children can prevent vision loss and improve outcomes.