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Refractive error and visual impairment in Ireland schoolchildren
Siofra Christine Harrington1, Jim Stack2, Kathryn Saunders3
1School of Physics and Clinical and Optometric Sciences, College of Science and Health, Dublin Institute of Technology, Dublin, Ireland siofra.harrington@dit.ie.
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|October 14, 2018
Summary
The Ireland Eye Study found significant visual impairment in schoolchildren, particularly among minority groups. Higher rates compared to Northern Ireland suggest potential barriers to accessing essential eye care services.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
- Pediatric Optometry
Background:
- Refractive errors and visual impairment are significant concerns in childhood.
- Population-based data on the prevalence of these conditions in Irish schoolchildren were previously lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of refractive errors and visual impairment in a representative sample of Irish schoolchildren.
- To identify potential risk factors and disparities in visual health within this population.
Main Methods:
- The Ireland Eye Study surveyed 1626 children aged 6-7 and 12-13 years across Ireland.
- Data collection involved visual acuity testing, cycloplegic autorefraction, and lifestyle questionnaires.
- Schools were selected using stratified random sampling to ensure representativeness.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of myopia was 3.3% in younger and 19.9% in older children; hyperopia was 25% and 8.9%; astigmatism was 19.2% and 15.9%, respectively.
- Presenting visual impairment (better eye) affected 3.7% of younger and 3.4% of older children.
- Minority group participants (Traveller, non-white) showed a higher likelihood of presenting visual impairment.
Conclusions:
- This is the first population-based study on refractive error and visual impairment in Irish schoolchildren.
- While myopia prevalence aligns with European data, presenting visual impairment is notably higher than in Northern Ireland.
- Disparities suggest potential barriers to accessing eye care services for children in Ireland.
