Refractive Error and Ocular Pathology of Children Examined in an Ophthalmological Practice in Moldova

Background/Objective: Poor vision can lead to low academic performance and negatively affect the quality of life. In Moldova, there are few guidelines for vision and eye care in children. Further, the prevalence of refractive errors, visual impairment, or eye disease in Moldovan children is unknown. The study aimed to explore the prevalence of refractive errors and eye disease among children examined in ophthalmological practice in Moldova. Methods: The study had a cross-sectional design, including consecutive patients, aged <18 years, examined in an ophthalmological practice in Chișinău, Moldova, during two time periods, from July to September 2018 and from May to June 2023. Results: Data of 299 children (157 female) aged 0-18 years were collected. In all, 177 (59.2%) children had cycloplegic refraction and assessment of refractive error: 47 in the age group 0-2 years, 64 in the age group 3-6 years, and 66 in the age group 7-18 years. In children under 3 years, 8 (17%) were emmetropic (-0.50 D < SER < +0.50 D), 4 (9%) were myopic (SER ≤ -0.50 D), 34 (72%) had mild hyperopia (0.5 ≤ SE < 3.0), and 1 (2%) had high hyperopia (SER > 3.0). Among children aged 3-6 years, 11 (17%) were emmetropic (-0.50 D < SER < +0.50 D), 5 (8%) were myopic (SER ≤ -0.50 D), 46 (72%) had mild hyperopia (0.5 ≤ SER < 3.0), and 2 (3%) had high hyperopia (SER > 3.0). In children over 6 years, 33 (50%) were myopic (SER ≤ -0.50 D), 2 (3%) were emmetropic (-0.50 D < SER < +0.50 D), 27 (41%) had mild hyperopia (0.5 ≤ SER < 3.0), and 4 (6%) had high hyperopia (SER > 3.0). A total of 4 children (2.3%) had amblyopia and 19 children (6.4%) had ocular pathologies. Twelve children (6.8%) were visually impaired with their habitual correction. Conclusions: Half of the school children had myopia and a little less than half had hyperopia. Among toddlers and pre-school children, one in four had myopia or were at risk of developing myopia.