Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 9, 2026

Assessment of Global Ocular Structure Following Spaceflight Using a Micro-Computed Tomography (Micro-CT) Imaging Method
09:11

Assessment of Global Ocular Structure Following Spaceflight Using a Micro-Computed Tomography (Micro-CT) Imaging Method

Published on: October 27, 2020

Ocular morbidity among the children of squatter settlements in Kathmandu

Gauri Shankar Shrestha1, Sarita Manandhar, Niraj Dev Joshi

  • 1Koirala Lions Centre for Ophthalmic Studies, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal. gs101lg@hotmail.com

Optometry and Vision Science : Official Publication of the American Academy of Optometry
|August 6, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Ocular infections and refractive errors are common health issues for children in Kathmandu

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Squatter settlements in Kathmandu house a vulnerable population.
  • Children in these areas may face unique health challenges, including eye conditions.
  • Understanding the prevalence of ocular morbidity is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of ocular morbidity and refractive errors.
  • To assess the eye health of children residing in squatter settlements in Kathmandu.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 366 children under 16 years old.
  • Comprehensive eye examinations including visual acuity, refraction, and segment assessments.
  • Statistical analysis using ANOVA and Pearson chi-square test with Yate correction.

Main Results:

  • 33.7% of children experienced ocular morbidity, with conjunctivitis (11.2%), refractive error (9.0%), and blepharitis (5.4%) being most common.
  • Ocular morbidity was higher in infants (57.9%) and adolescents aged 14-15 (52.8%).
  • Best-corrected visual acuity of ≥6/9 in at least one eye was achieved by 99.0% of children.

Conclusions:

  • Ocular infections and refractive errors are significant causes of morbidity in children from Kathmandu's squatter settlements.
  • Early detection and management of these conditions are essential for this population.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Grossing of Non-neoplastic Globes, Including Fetal Eyes05:15

Grossing of Non-neoplastic Globes, Including Fetal Eyes

Published on: May 30, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways01:22

Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways

At the molecular level, visual signals trigger transformations in photopigment molecules, resulting in changes in the photoreceptor cell's membrane potential. The photon's energy level is denoted by its wavelength, with each specific wavelength of visible light associated with a distinct color. The spectral range of visible light, classified as electromagnetic radiation, spans from 380 to 720 nm. Electromagnetic radiation wavelengths exceeding 720 nm fall under the infrared category, whereas...
Glaucoma: Overview01:25

Glaucoma: Overview

Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment01:28

Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment

Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
Accessory Structures of the Eye01:17

Accessory Structures of the Eye

Optical perception, or vision, is an extraordinary sense dependent on converting light signals received via the ocular organs. These organs, known as eyes, are securely positioned within the bony cavities of the skull, called orbits. The orbits serve a dual purpose: a protective shield for the ocular globes and a stable attachment point for the soft ocular tissues. The eye's external protective mechanisms include the eyelids, which are edged with lashes that act as a barrier against foreign...
Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment01:27

Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment

In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...