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Refractive error and visual functions in children with special needs compared with the first grade school students in
Urmi Vora1, Rajiv Khandekar, Sarvanan Natrajan
1Department of Non-Communicable Disease Control, Eye & Ear Health Care, Directorate General of Health Affairs, Ministry of Health (HQ), Muscat, Oman.
Middle East African Journal of Ophthalmology
|December 25, 2010
Summary
Children with special needs have a significantly higher risk of refractive errors and visual impairments. Early vision screening and intervention are crucial for this population.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Optometry
- Public Health
Background:
- Assessing visual function in children with special needs is critical.
- Previous studies have not comprehensively evaluated refractive status and visual function in this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the refractive status and visual function of children with special needs.
- To compare visual function in children with special needs to healthy peers.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study design was employed.
- Vision was assessed using LogMAR charts, preferential looking, and cycloplegic refraction.
- Contrast sensitivity, ocular alignment, and anterior segment were evaluated; health records were reviewed.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of refractive error was 58.5% in children with special needs versus 2.9% in healthy children.
- Children with special needs had a significantly higher risk of refractive error (RR, 48.1).
- Higher rates of hyperopia, myopia, astigmatism, strabismus, nystagmus, and reduced contrast sensitivity were observed.
Conclusions:
- Children with special needs exhibit a substantially higher prevalence of uncorrected refractive errors and visual impairments.
- Recommendations include early vision screening, comprehensive visual function assessment, refractive error correction, and regular follow-up care.
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