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Childhood Vision Impairment and Refractive Error in Zimbabwe: A Hospital-based Retrospective Study
Michael Agyemang Kwarteng1,2, Chido Cleopatra Katsvanga1, Samuel Kyei1,3
1Department of Optometry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Bindura University of Science Education, Zimbabwe.
Insights
Uncorrected refractive error is the leading cause of childhood vision impairment in Zimbabwe. This hospital-based study highlights the need for timely interventions to improve visual outcomes in children.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Public Health
Background:
- Childhood vision impairment and refractive errors are significant public health concerns.
- Understanding the specific causes and distribution is crucial for targeted interventions.
- Zimbabwean children's visual health requires focused investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the causes and prevalence of vision impairment in Zimbabwean children.
- To analyze the distribution of refractive errors among pediatric patients.
- To provide data for improving eye care services for children in Zimbabwe.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted.
- Data from 1038 children (aged 3-16) at the Eye Institute, Harare, from 2010-2020 were analyzed.
- Key variables included visual acuity, ocular morbidities, and vision impairment before and after treatment.
Main Results:
- 9.9% of children presented with vision impairment, reducing to 3.5% post-intervention.
- Uncorrected refractive error was the primary cause (67.0%), followed by keratoconus (7.8%) and corneal issues (6.8%).
- Astigmatism (60.6%) and myopia (37.5%) were the most common refractive errors.
Conclusions:
- Childhood vision impairment prevalence in this study exceeds that of similar African hospital-based research.
- Uncorrected refractive error is the most frequent cause of vision impairment in this pediatric cohort.
- Effective management of refractive errors can significantly improve vision in children.
Background:
The objective of this study was to determine the causes and distribution of vision impairment and refractive error among children in Zimbabwe.
Methods:
A hospital-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among children (3-16) who attended the Eye Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe, from January 2010 to December 2020. Patients' records were collated, and variables such as visual acuity, ocular morbidities, and vision impairment were analysed.
Results:
During this time, 1038 children with mean age of 10.63 ± 3.54 years visited the facility. The majority of them were males (53.2%). Prior to treatment, 9.9% of the children had vision impairment which reduced to 3.5% after intervention. Uncorrected refractive error accounted for the majority of vision impairment (67.0%), followed by keratoconus (7.8%), corneal opacity/ulceration (6.8%), and amblyopia (6.8%), among other conditions. Astigmatism (60.6%) was the most prevalent type of refractive error followed by myopia (37.5%).
Conclusion:
The prevalence of childhood vision impairment is higher than that found in similar hospital-based studies conducted in Africa. The most common reason for childhood vision impairment was uncorrected refractive error.
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