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Refractive errors in low-income preschoolers

Barbara L Brody1, Anne-Catherine Roch-Levecq, Hillary S Klonoff-Cohen

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology (SIB), Division of Community Ophthalmology (A-CR-L & BLB), University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0946, USA.

Ophthalmic Epidemiology
|September 27, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Refractive errors affect 16% of low-income preschoolers, with hyperopia and astigmatism being most common. Early detection of vision problems in children is crucial for development.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pediatric Optometry
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Refractive errors are a significant cause of vision impairment in children.
  • Early identification and management of refractive errors are essential for optimal visual development and academic success.
  • Preschool-aged children, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, may have limited access to regular vision screenings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of refractive errors in a population of low-income preschoolers in San Diego County.
  • To identify the types and frequencies of specific refractive errors within this demographic.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 507 preschool children (ages 3-5) from low-income families in San Diego County.
  • Comprehensive eye examinations including retinoscopy under cycloplegia were performed by optometrists.
  • Refractive errors were defined using specific diopter (D) thresholds for myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and anisometropia, with age-specific criteria.

Main Results:

  • Overall, 16% of the preschool children exhibited refractive errors in at least one eye.
  • Hyperopia was diagnosed in 7.5% of children, astigmatism in 5.5%, and myopia in 3%.
  • The majority of children (84%) were classified as emmetropic, with minimal refractive error.

Conclusions:

  • Hyperopia and astigmatism were the most prevalent refractive errors identified in this low-income preschool population.
  • The findings highlight the importance of vision screening in preschool children, especially those from underserved communities.
  • A significant proportion of children required intervention for refractive errors, underscoring the need for accessible eye care services.
Abstract

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