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Refractive errors survey in primary school children (6-12 year old) in 2 provinces: Bangkok and Nakhonpathom (one
1Department of Ophthalmology, Mettapracharak Eye Center, Nakhonpathom, Thailand. penpimol1960@gmail.com
Insights
Refractive error affects 12.7% of children in Bangkok and 5.7% in Nakhonpathom, causing significant vision impairment. Early screening and provision of spectacles are crucial for managing this common eye condition in school-aged children.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
- Pediatric Optometry
Background:
- Refractive error is a leading cause of preventable visual impairment globally.
- Population-based studies are vital for understanding the scope of this common eye condition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of refractive error in primary school-aged children in Bangkok and Nakhonpathom.
- To assess the need for and provision of free spectacles for affected children.
Main Methods:
- A population-based, cross-sectional study conducted from October 2008 to September 2009.
- Utilized random cluster selection for a representative sample of 2340 children.
- Included visual acuity testing, cycloplegic autorefraction, and comprehensive eye examinations by ophthalmologists.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of refractive error was 12.7% in Bangkok and 5.7% in Nakhonpathom.
- Refractive error accounted for 97.6% of vision reduction in the studied children.
- Amblyopia and other causes represented a smaller proportion of vision impairment.
Conclusions:
- A high prevalence of uncorrected refractive error was observed in central Thailand, particularly Bangkok.
- Eye health education and regular screening are recommended for early detection and intervention.
- Timely prescription of spectacles is essential to address refractive errors in school-aged children.
Background:
Refractive error is an important cause of preventable visual impairment and blindness worldwide. Population-based studies will continue to be a key part in identification ofthe magnitude and the importance of this common eye disease.
Objective:
To assess the prevalence of the refractive error in primary school-aged children in Bangkok and Nakhonpathom together with the provision of the appropriately free of charge spectacles.
Material And Method:
A Population-based cross-sectional analytic study was conducted between October 2008 and September 2009. Random selection of geographically defined clusters was used to identify the study sample. The examination included visual acuity (VA) by Snellen chart and pinhole correction, autorefraction under cycloplegic refraction, ocular motility evaluation, examination of the external eye, anterior segment, media, and fundus. Ophthalmologists screened for ocular abnormalities.
Results:
Among 2340 children, 1100 in Bangkok and 1240 in Nakhonpathom were examined The prevalence of refractive error in Bangkok and Nakhornpathom were 12.7% and 5.7% respectively. Refractive error was the cause in 97.6% of eyes with reduced vision, amblyopia in 0.5%, other causes in 0.8%, and unexplained causes in 1.1%.
Conclusion:
The present study showed a relative high prevalence of uncorrected refractive error in the central part of Thailand especially in Bangkok. Eye health education and screening is recommended to evaluate the need for refractive correction with appropriate prescription of spectacles.
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