Screening for ocular abnormalities and subnormal vision in school children of Butajira Town, southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: As in most African countries there is no national preschool or school eye screening service in Ethiopia. The purpose of this study was to conduct school eye screening in Butajira town to identify the causes of ocular morbidity and subnormal vision in school children and suggest possible intervention strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 1846 students from Mekicho (1397) and Dobo-tuto (449) junior and elementary schools of Butajira Town selected by systematic random sampling of the sections of each grade was performed from Sep.13 to Nov.11, 1999. Visual acuity and detailed ophthalmologic examinations were done. Results: One or more ocular abnormalities were found in 62.6% of the students. Trachoma was the leading cause (54%) of ocular morbidity, followed by refractive error (11.8%), strabismus (4.4%), non-trachomatous acute conjunctivitis (2.3%), corneal opacity (1.3%), Xerophthalmia (1.1%)and Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (0.7%). Refractive error was the leading cause of low vision. Conclusion: Trachoma is a public health problem in the community, hence mass mobilization and the WHO comprehensive SAFE strategy has to be implemented. Concerned government bodies as well as NGO’s should take the initiative of providing those children with refractive error with low cost eyeglasses. Health education and yearly school eye screening by local health personnel will prevent common causes of blindness and visual impairment. [Ethiop.J.Health Dev. 2002;16(2):165-171]