[Ametropia in a school setting in Bukavu: Epidemiological and clinical features]

Ametropia is the most common preventable cause of visual impairment and blindness, leading to psycho-emotional repercussions and affecting academic performance. Few studies have been conducted in schools in our region.

This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Tumaini Institute and the Burhiba Institute, two secondary schools in the city of Bukavu, with the goal of assessing the prevalence of ametropia in schools in the region. The first phase of the study was conducted at the school, and the second phase was conducted at the ophthalmology practice of the Bukavu University Clinics and the UZIMA Clinic, where cycloplegic refraction was performed.

The incidence of ametropia was 22.66%, with students aged 10 to 15 years being the most affected (79.38%) and a female predominance of 63.40%. In all, 42.85% of prescribed glasses were not worn either due to lack of funds (33.33%) or parental refusal (11.11%). Myopia was the most common ametropia (46.39%). Uncorrected distance visual acuity was≥5/10 and≤7/10 in 76.80% of cases, <5/10 and≥3/10 in 18.04% of cases, <3/10 and≥1/10 in 4.63% of cases, and<1/10 in 0.51% of cases. In 96.90% of cases, visual acuity improved to>7/10.

Uncorrected ametropia is common in schools in Bukavu. Systematic screening combined with community awareness and improvements in the community's standard of living would prevent progression to amblyopia.