Vision screening in pre-school children in Asmara, Eritrea

Preschool-aged children with vision problems are at a critical period of visual development and screening could identify and lead to treatments that could improve vision. So, this study conducted vision screening and identified the common vision and eye problems in this age group for early management.

Cluster sampling was used in selecting the regions of Biet Mekae and Villagio randomly to be the samples of the city. All the children from the two communities under the age of 5 years were included. Additionally, another set of tests were conducted on the children, who were referred for failing one or more of the tests to correctly diagnose their condition.

The study included 662 children, out of which 12.1% failed the tests and were referred for further investigation. Among those referred, 12.5% were found to be false positives, 26.25% were drop outs, and the rest 61.25% were diagnosed with different conditions. VKC was found in 10% of the referred children, allergic conjunctivitis in 21.25%, strabismus was found in 15%, bacterial conjunctivitis in 2.5%, corneal ulcer in 2.5%, NLDO in 3.75%, and the remaining 6.25% phoria, blepharitis, dacryocytitis.

The results suggest that, vision problems and eye diseases which may lead to a more serious level of irreversible visual impairment later in life are common in pre-school children. Moreover, vision screening examination testability was highest in the age group 3-5 years, so interventions could be made more efficient by concentrating in this age group.