Abstract
Objective:To measure the frequency of uncorrected ametropia in children with 2 to 8 weeks of persistent headache referred to ophthalmic outpatient department for evaluation.Methods:This cross sectional study was conducted at CMH Gujranwala from March 2018 to November 2018.A total of 262 children, aged from 5 to 16 years, with 2 to 8 weeks history of persistent headache underwent detailed ophthalmic assessment for refractive errors, and other ophthalmic evaluation. Children with ametropia, confirmed with cycloplegic refraction and post-mydriatic testing were prescribed with glasses. Patients without any ophthalmic findings were referred back to pediatrics department for further evaluation.Results:Mean age of study population was 8.97 ± 3.16 years. Mean duration of headache was 5.03 ± 1.81 weeks. Ametropia was found in 56 (21.4%) children, while 206 (78.6%) had no refractive error. Out of children with ametropia, 20 (35.7%) had myopia, 24 (42.8%) had astigmatism and 12 (21.5%) had hypermetropia. There was no difference in ametropic children and children without ametropia with respect to gender (p=0.73), age (p=0.54) and duration of headache (p=0.71).Conclusion:A significant proportion of children with ametropia have initial symptoms of headache. Any child with un-explained headache must undergo ophthalmic evaluation to diagnose refractive error, if any.
Highlights
Patients are frequently referred to ophthalmology department from pediatric care units for evaluation of refractive error in case of headache
There was no difference in ametropic children and children without ametropia with respect to gender (p=0.73), age (p=0.54) and duration of headache (p=0.71)
Medical term for headache associated with eye strain or fatigue is asthenopia, which is thought to be triggered by ametropia, extra ocular muscle imbalance, improper reading or working environment and inaccurate reading or working habits.[7]
Summary
Patients are frequently referred to ophthalmology department from pediatric care units for evaluation of refractive error in case of headache. While there are numerous causes of headache, uncorrected or under-corrected refractive errors have long. 1. Dr Mohammad Asim Mehboob, FCPS (Ophth), FICO, FRCS, MRCSEd, Combined Military Hospital, Gujranwala, Pakistan. Dr Memoona Khan, FCPS (Hematology), 2,3: Combined Military Hospital, Khuzdar, Pakistan. Correspondence: December 26, 2018 April 10, 2019 been considered a potential cause of headache in pediatric population.[1] Numerous studies have shown a significant relation between these two entities. The evidence base for this remains shallow, due to various studies showing no significant relationship
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
