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Published on: March 17, 2023
The visual status of children ages 3 to 6 years in the vision screening program in Taiwan
Yu-Hung Lai1, Hsin-Tien Hsu, Hwei-Zu Wang
1Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Insights
This study found a high prevalence of myopia in Taiwanese preschoolers aged 3-6 years, with rates increasing with age. Amblyopia affected about 5% of children, decreasing with age.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Vision Screening
- Public Health
Background:
- Vision disorders like myopia, amblyopia, and strabismus significantly impact child development.
- Understanding the prevalence of these conditions in preschool populations is crucial for early intervention.
- Taiwanese preschool vision data requires updated epidemiological insights.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the current prevalence of myopia, amblyopia, and strabismus in Taiwanese preschoolers.
- To analyze age-related trends in these common childhood vision impairments.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of vision screening data from 618 preschool children in Kaohsiung, Taiwan (2005).
- Utilized cycloplegic refraction, E chart visual acuity, stereopsis tests (Titmus, NTU), and ocular alignment assessments.
- Statistical analysis included correlation, chi-squared tests for trend to evaluate age-related prevalence.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of myopia increased with age: 3.0% (3 yrs) to 12.2% (6 yrs) (p=0.021).
- Amblyopia prevalence was approximately 5%, with a trend of decreasing incidence with increasing age (p=0.028).
- High correlation found between autorefraction and retinoscopy for cycloplegic spherical equivalent (r=0.934).
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of myopia in 3-6 year olds in Taiwan is notably high compared to international benchmarks.
- Age-specific diagnostic criteria for amblyopia are recommended for improved accuracy.
- Early detection and intervention strategies are vital for managing childhood vision disorders.
Purpose:
To investigate the current status of myopia, amblyopia, and strabismus of preschoolers in Taiwan.
Methods:
The records of a vision screening performed in 2005 at 4 preschools by a tertiary referral medical center in Kaohsiung, Taiwan were reviewed. Cycloplegic refraction, visual acuity by E chart, stereopsis by Titmus and National Taiwan University tests, and ocular alignment were analyzed.
Results:
Most (97.7%) of the children (n = 618) were able to perform visual acuity testing. There was good correlation between the results of cycloplegic spherical equivalent obtained by autorefraction and by retinoscopy (r = 0.934, p < 0.001). The prevalence of amblyopia was about 5%. A trend was found between amblyopia morbidity and the 4 age groups when a single criterion (best-corrected visual acuity <0.7) was used for all ages (decreased amblyopia incidence with increased age; p = 0.028, chi(2) test for trend). The prevalence of myopia was 3.0%, 4.2%, 4.7%, and 12.2% at ages 3, 4, 5, and 6 years, respectively. There was a trend of increased myopia with increased age (p = 0.021, chi(2) test for trend).
Conclusions:
The prevalence of myopia in children ages 3 to 6 years in Taiwan was high compared with the prevalence in other countries. Criteria for amblyopia based on age difference and on the types of visual acuity test are recommended.
