Vision screening in pre-school children in Asmara, Eritrea
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Published on: March 24, 2020
Samuel Tesfamichael Kibrom1, Mengis Tesfamariam Fisshaye2, Yohannes Solomon Ghebremedhin3
1Department of Optometry, Eritrean Air Force Hospital, Asmara, Eritrea. sam.tesmike3@gmail.com.
Insights
Vision problems are common in preschool children, with 12.1% failing initial screenings. Early vision screening and targeted interventions in children aged 3-5 years are crucial for preventing irreversible vision impairment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Preschool children are in a critical stage of visual development.
- Vision screening can identify issues early, enabling timely treatment and improved outcomes.
- Early detection of vision problems in young children is essential for preventing long-term visual impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct vision screening in preschool-aged children.
- To identify common vision and eye problems in this demographic.
- To inform early management strategies for pediatric vision disorders.
Main Methods:
- Cluster sampling was employed to select two communities.
- All children under 5 years old in the selected communities were included.
- Children failing initial tests underwent further diagnostic examinations.
Main Results:
- Out of 662 children, 12.1% were referred for further investigation.
- Among referred children, common diagnoses included allergic conjunctivitis (21.25%), strabismus (15%), and vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) (10%).
- Vision screening testability was highest in the 3-5 year age group.
Conclusions:
- Vision problems and eye diseases are prevalent in preschool children, posing a risk for irreversible visual impairment.
- Targeting vision screening interventions towards the 3-5 year age group can enhance efficiency.
- Early detection and management are vital for preserving vision in young children.
Background:
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.
Method:
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.
Results:
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.
Conclusion:
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.
