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The Prevalence of Severe Visual Impairment and Blindness Among Primary School Children in Arar, Saudi Arabia
Basem Salama1, Mujeeb Ur Rehman Parrey2, Maha M Abdul-Latif2
1Community Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar, SAU.
Insights
Childhood visual impairment is prevalent in Arar primary schools, affecting 14 per 1000 children severely and 7 per 1000 with blindness. Early screenings and interventions are crucial for reducing this burden.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Childhood visual impairment significantly impacts child development, leading to psychological and social challenges.
- Early detection and intervention are vital for mitigating the long-term effects of visual impairment in children.
- Collaborative efforts among healthcare providers, educators, and parents are essential for addressing this global health concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of severe visual impairment and blindness in primary school children in Arar.
- To assess visual acuity and classify visual impairment according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted among 781 Saudi children (ages 6-12) in Arar primary schools.
- Evaluated uncorrected and best-corrected visual acuity.
- Prevalence determined using WHO classification criteria.
Main Results:
- The study identified 14 children with severe visual impairment and 7 children with blindness per 1000 participants.
- Prevalence rates were calculated based on WHO guidelines for visual impairment.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of severe visual impairment and blindness among primary school children in Arar is notably high.
- Implementing early screening programs and addressing contributing factors can significantly reduce the burden of childhood visual impairment.
Abstract:
Background Childhood visual impairment has a major impact on the growth and development of children at all levels. The affected children are likely to experience psychological issues and less successful social integration. Besides healthcare providers, researchers, teachers, and parents can play a vital role in reducing the burden of this global health issue. Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted among children attending all primary schools in Arar to measure the prevalence of severe visual impairment and blindness. The uncorrected and best-corrected visual acuity was assessed and the prevalence of visual impairment was determined in line with the WHO guidelines. Results A total of 781 Saudi children aged between six and 12 years participated in this study. These included 403 (51.6%) females and 378 (48.4%) males. The prevalence of severe visual impairment and blindness according to WHO classification was found in 14 and seven children, respectively. Conclusions The prevalence of severe visual impairment and blindness in primary school children in Arar is high. The burden of visual impairment can be reduced by improving the approach toward early screenings and timely addressing the factors associated with such visual impairment in children.
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