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.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Marcia's Theory of Identity Status01:26

Marcia's Theory of Identity Status

James Marcia's identity status model provides a framework for understanding how adolescents navigate identity formation through varying degrees of exploration and commitment. Marcia's model builds on Erik Erikson's theories of psychosocial development, focusing specifically on how adolescents reconcile individual aspirations with societal expectations. His model describes identity formation as a dynamic process where adolescents move between different states depending on their level...
1.7K
Drug Dosing: Infants and Children01:29

Drug Dosing: Infants and Children

Pediatric patient dosages diverge from adults due to disparities in body surface area, total body water, and extracellular fluid per kilogram of body weight. The dosing regimen considers the variations in pharmacokinetics and pharmacology across distinct age groups, encompassing preterm newborns, infants, young children, older children, and adolescents. Calculation of pediatric patient doses is predicated on determining body surface area, which exhibits a superior correlation with the child's...
335
Steps in Outbreak Investigation01:18

Steps in Outbreak Investigation

In the ever-evolving field of public health, statistical analysis serves as a cornerstone for understanding and managing disease outbreaks. By leveraging various statistical tools, health professionals can predict potential outbreaks, analyze ongoing situations, and devise effective responses to mitigate impact. For that to happen, there are a few possible stages of the analysis:
603
Visual System01:26

Visual System

Light enters the eye through the cornea, a transparent, dome-shaped surface covering the surface of the eyeball that helps to direct and focus incoming light. This light is then channeled toward the pupil, an adjustable opening whose size is controlled by the iris. The iris, a pigmented muscle, regulates the amount of light entering the eye by contracting or dilating the pupil, thereby ensuring optimal light levels for clear vision.
Once through the pupil, the light passes through the lens, a...
1.9K
Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT01:30

Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT

Radiological investigations, including X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans, are critical for diagnosing and evaluating various medical conditions. These imaging techniques provide valuable insights into the body's internal structures, aiding in the detection of abnormalities, assessment of disease progression, and development of treatment strategies. This article delves into two primary radiological investigations, chest X-rays and CT scans, outlining their purpose, procedures, and...
1.2K
Visual Agnosia01:12

Visual Agnosia

Visual agnosia is a condition characterized by the inability to recognize visually presented objects despite having normal vision. For instance, a person with visual agnosia can describe the shape and color of an object but cannot identify or name it. This impairment does not affect their visual field, acuity, color vision, brightness discrimination, language, or memory. An example of this condition in a social setting is someone at a dinner party asking for "that silver thing with a round...
1.2K