Research

Prevalence of Refractive Error and Low Vision Among Schoolchildren in Cairo

  • A preliminary survey was conducted to detect the prevalence of refractive error (RE) and low vision among 5839 schoolchildren aged 7-14 years in Cairo, Egypt.

  • Screening was done using Landolt broken ring chart and pinhole test.

  • The prevalence of RE (visual acuity < or = 6/12) among the schoolchildren was 22.1% and low vision (visual acuity < or = 6/18) was 12.5%.

  • The prevalence of low vision was greatest among the preparatory schoolchildren aged 12+ years.

  • RE was higher among the female students than males (21.4% and 13.6% respectively).

  • Development of a national survey for detection of visual problems for both preschool and school-aged children is recommended.

Publication date

April 3, 2019

Publication

East Mediterranean Health Journal

Authors

El-Bayoumy BM, Saad A, Choudhury AH.
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