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Investigating the Visual Status Of Preschool Children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Ali M Alsaqr1, Ghayda'a Ibrahim2, Ali Abu Sharha1
1Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Vision screening in Al Riyadh preschoolers revealed that 13% had reduced visual acuity and 14% were at risk of amblyopia. Early detection of refractive errors is crucial for preventing visual impairment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Optometry
- Public Health
Background:
- Preschool vision screening is vital for early detection of visual impairments.
- Amblyopia risk factors in young children require ongoing investigation.
- Understanding refractive error prevalence in young populations informs public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the vision status of preschool children aged 3-6 years in Al Riyadh.
- To identify children at risk of developing amblyopia.
- To determine the prevalence of refractive errors in this age group.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, population-based study involving 335 children from 14 kindergartens.
- Visual acuity (VA) measured using Lea symbols.
- Refractive error assessed via Mohindra near retinoscopy; contrast sensitivity (CS) measured using a numerical CS test.
Main Results:
- 13% of children (42/335) exhibited reduced VA.
- Prevalence of refractive errors included myopia (4.2%), hyperopia (8.1%), and astigmatism (20%).
- Approximately 14% of children were identified as being at risk of amblyopia; 26% of families reported refractive errors.
Conclusions:
- Vision screening for preschoolers is essential for early detection of visual abnormalities.
- Timely identification and management of refractive errors can mitigate the impact of visual impairment.
- Findings highlight the need for targeted vision health programs for young children in Al Riyadh.
Purpose:
The purpose of the study was to explore the vision status of preschool children aged 3-6 years in Al Riyadh and to identify children at risk of amblyopia.
Materials And Methods:
This was a cross-sectional population-based study. Visual acuity (VA) was measured using 15-line Lea symbols, refractive error was assessed using the Mohindra near retinoscopy technique, and peak contrast sensitivity (CS) was measured with the aid of the numerical CS test. We recruited 335 children, with their parents' written consent, from 14 kindergartens.
Results:
A total of 335 children were recruited; 42 children (13%) exhibited reduced VA (Median [interquartile ranges (IQRs)], 0.00 [0.01]); most were emmetropic (87.7%). Myopia (4.2%), hyperopia (8.1%), and astigmatism (20%) were also observed. Most children had normal CSs. About 14% of children were at risk of amblyopia. It has been observed that 26% of families have some kind of refractive error.
Conclusions:
It is important to perform vision screening of preschoolers. Early detection of abnormalities in refractive errors could help to minimize the effect of visual impairment.
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