Prevalence Of Ocular Disorders Research Articles

Roles of non-coding RNAs in eye development and diseases.

The prevalence of ocular disorders is dramatically increasing worldwide, especially those that cause visual impairment and permanent loss of vision, including cataract, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Extensive evidence has shown that ncRNAs are key regulators in various biogenesis and biological functions, controlling gene expression related to histogenesis and cell differentiation in ocular tissues. Aberrant expression and function of ncRNA can lead to dysfunction of visual system and mediate progression of eye disorders. Here, we mainly offer an overview of the role of precise modulation of ncRNAs in eye development and function in patients with eye diseases. We also highlight the challenges and future perspectives in conducting ncRNA studies, focusing specifically on the role of ncRNAs that may hold expanded promise for their diagnostic and therapeutic applications in various eye diseases. This article is categorized under: Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development.

A study on the prevalence of ocular disorders among school going children in the age group of 5 to 12 years

The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of various ocular disorders among school going children in the age group of 5 to12 years. : Vision screening is crucial for early detection of ocular disorders among young children thereby preventing the risk of uncorrectable dimunition of vision. Hence, our programme is planned as early detection of the causative factors in the childhood period and most effectively treat as early as possible.The purpose of the screening programme is to identify various ocular diseases in children like refractive errors, amblyopia, defective color vision, lid and adnexal disorders, vitamin A deficiency, allergic conjuctivitis, glaucoma, cataract and squint. Identification of such problems and its correction in early stage is crucial for their normal growth. A school based prospective cross sectional study design was adopted to examine children aged 5–12 years in randomly selected schools of Kollam district from January 2020 to March 2020. In this cross-sectional study, two Optometrist and two Ophthalmologist and other supportive staffs screened 3100 school children aged 5 to 12 years for vision and external eye examination. An Optometrist did the visual acuity testing and refraction. Detailed ophthalmic examination was done by an Ophthalmologist. The pattern of visual acuity, colour vision and ocular disorders were studied. Children needing further assessment were referred to the hospital and analysis of the data and data entry done using Microsoft office excel 2016 with Statistical software: R software (EZR 1.32).: A total number of 3100 students from 11 different schools were examined, 1570 of whom were males, and 1530 were females. The commonest eye disorder was refractive error 16.6% (514) in which most common was myopic astigmatism 78.2% (402) of which 322 were against the rule and 80 were with the rule astigmatism, followed by simple myopia 15.2%(78) simple hypermetropia 4.7%(25) and hypermetropic astigmatism 1.7%(9). Of these spectacles usage was found to be present only in 81.3% (418) students, rest 18.7%(96) were not aware of the refractive error. Next common eye disorder was allergic conjunctivitis 1.6%(49).Squint was present in 1.4%(42) children. Corneal opacity was present in 0.26%(8), defective color vision was there in 0.2%(6); lids and adnexal disorders 0.13%(4) and cataract 0.03%(1). There were no students with congenital anomalies, congenital glaucoma or Vitamin A deficiency. Uncorrected refractive error is the most common visual impairment found in school going children. There is a need to set up a regular school vision-screening programme to detect ocular disorders in order to prevent the burden on society on long term. Since most of this morbidity is either preventable or completely treatable, school screening is an effective method to reduce this burden.

Leveraging big data for pattern recognition of socio-demographic and climatic factors in correlation with eye disorders in Telangana State, India.

Purpose:Big data is the new gold, especially in health care. Advances in collecting and processing electronic medical records (EMR) coupled with increasing computer capabilities have resulted in an increased interest in the use of big data in health care. Ophthalmology has been an area of focus where results have shown to be promising. The objective of this study was to determine whether the EMR at a multi-tier ophthalmology network in India can contribute to the management of patient care, through studying how climatic and socio-demographic factors relate to eye disorders and visual impairment in the State of Telangana.Methods:The study was designed by merging a dataset obtained from the Telangana State Development Society to an existing EMR of approximately 1 million patients, who presented themselves with different eye symptoms and diagnosed with several diseases from the years (2011–2019). The dataset obtained included weather and climatic variables to be tested alongside eye disorders. AI creative featuring techniques have been used to narrow down the variables most affected by climatic and demographic factors, with the application of the Cynefin Framework as a guide to simplify and structure the dataset for analysis.Results:Our findings revealed a high presence of cataract in the state of Telangana, mostly in rural areas and throughout the different weather seasons in India. Males tend to be the most affected as per the number of visits to the clinic, while home makers make the most visit to the hospital, in addition to employees, students, and laborers. While cataract is most dominant in the older age population, diseases such as astigmatism, conjunctivitis, and emmetropia, are more present in the younger age population.Conclusion:The study appeared useful for taking preventive measures in the future to manage the treatment of patients who present themselves with eye disorders in Telangana. The use of clinical big datasets helps to identify the burden of ocular disorders in the population. The overlaying of meteorological data on the clinical presentation of patients from a geographic region lends insight into the complex interaction of environmental factors on the prevalence of ocular disorders in them.

Prevalence and profile of ocular morbidity in down syndrome children in a tertiary centre

Objective: To find out prevalence and profile of ocular morbidity in Down Syndrome children in a district early intervention centre of a tertiary centre. Study Design: A retrospective cross sectional study was conducted in DEIC of JNMCH, AMU, for a period of 2 1 2 years (March’ 17 – Aug’ 19). Materials and Methods: Complete ophthalmological workup was done for 55 patients of down syndrome in (0-16 years) age group. Result: Prevalence of ocular morbidity was 61.81% Peak prevalence (100%) was found in (13-16 years) age group Refractive error was commonest morbidity (30 %) followed by Strabismus (21%). Conclusion: Refractive error was the common est ocular morbidity Screening and early intervention in Down syndrome patients is utmost important because of high prevalence of ocular disorders. Keywords: Down syndrome, Screening.

Prevalence of Ocular Disorders in Children with Intellectual Disability in Special Schools of Hamadan, Iran, 2017-2018

Objective: According to global statistics, in every society, more than 10% of children are born with different characteristics from those of their peers, meaning they are mentally different from their peers. Children with intellectual disabilities are at a greater risk of refractive errors and other ocular problems. Regarding this, the present study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of refractive errors and ocular findings in children with intellectual disabilities studying at the special schools of Hamadan, Iran, within 2017-18. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 90 students with intellectual disabilities studying at the exceptional schools of Hamadan in 2017-18. The data was collected using a checklist recording such data as demographic information, level of education, and eye examination results. Visual acuity, refraction, slit-lamp examination, and fundoscopy were performed by an optometrist and an ophthalmologist. Data analysis was performed in SPSS software (version 16.0; SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL) at a significance level of <0.05. Results: The mean age of the students was 9.4±2.7 years (age range: 6-18 years). Based on the data, 56 (62.2%) cases were female. With regard to the ocular findings, 78 (86.7%), 16 (17.8%), and 12 (13.3%) students had refractive errors, amblyopia, and strabismus, respectively. The most common refractive error in students was mixed astigmatism (n=66, 73.3%), followed by hypermetropia (n=35, 38.9%). Refractive errors and ocular diseases had a higher prevalence in female students under the age of 11 years and preschoolers; however, this difference was not statistically significant. Out of 78 children with refractive errors, 18 (23.1%) cases had an ocular disease (P=0.063). Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, the prevalence of refractive errors and eye diseases was higher in children with an intellectual disability than in the general population. Furthermore, the girls and children with a younger age were found to be at a greater risk of ocular disorders. Consequently, the screening or periodic examination of these children is a measure of vital importance.

A novel technology tool to capture the clinical information of patients across rural vision centers in a three-tier eye care network in India using the eyeSmart EMR App.

This article describes the implementation of a novel technology tool to capture demographic distribution and clinical presentation of patients in rural vision centers using the eyeSmart electronic medical record (EMR) app in a three-tier eyecare network in India. A two-year retrospective review of all patients who presented to the rural vision centers of LV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) eyecare network was performed from September 2016 to August 2018 using an in-house developed eyeSmart EMR app. A total of 501 771 patients were captured on the eyeSmart EMR app across the LVPEI network. The ratio of males (n=273 985, 54.60%) and females (n=227 786, 45.40%) presenting to the rural vision centers was 1.2:1. The most prevalent ocular disorder was refractive errors (n=273 720, 44.32%). This study details the demographic distribution and prevalence of ocular disorders in a large cohort of Indian patients and demonstrates the potential for real-time analytics through the use of EMR systems. This provides rigorous evidence for the community and eyecare providers that the use of a web application/tablet app (eyeSmart) aids in providing better eyecare services in rural areas. It helps in creating government policies and improves the treatment strategies for various preventable ocular disorders in India.

Prevalence of ocular disorders in Liberia: a retrospective study using the eyeSmart electronic medical record system

# Background This study aims to describe the demographic distribution and ocular diagnosis of the patients presenting to the Liberia Eye Center, Monrovia, using the eyeSmart Electronic Medical Record system. # Methods A retrospective study was conducted on patients presenting to Liberia Eye Center from July 2017 to July 2018. A total of 5258 patients were examined during this period. Data was collected from eyeSmart Electronic Medical Record system database. The variables in the collected data include age, gender, location, occupation, socioeconomic status, laterality of eye affected, and ocular diagnosis. All the counties were included in the study. A total of 8234 instances of ocular diagnosis were made in 5258 patients. # Results Of the total 5258 patients, the majority of them presented from the county of Lofa (18.77%) and the least number of patients from Gbarpolu (1.62%). Out of the total children examined (16 years and under), females outnumbered males (8.25% vs. 4.87%). Among the adults, almost equal number of males (50.1%) and females (49.9%) presented to the clinic. The most common diagnosis was uncorrected refractive errors (34.89%) followed by the cornea and anterior segment disorders, cataract and glaucoma in that order. But in children aged 16 years and under, cornea and anterior segment related disorders (6.01%) were the most common diagnosis and the least common diagnosis was amblyopia (0.34%). Majority of the patients were unemployed (60.54%) and the most common profession in the remaining cohort was a student (8.96%). # Conclusions Refractive error was found to be the most common ocular diagnosis and the second most common presentation was cornea and anterior segment disorders in Liberian population. In children aged 16 years and under, cornea and anterior segment related disorders were the most common ocular diagnosis. The description of various ocular diseases and their clinical presentation for the first time in a Liberian population provides the opportunity for further research. The digitization of eye care using electronic medical record systems is a progressive step forward to help formulate strategies for health policy to combat avoidable blindness across Liberia.

Prevalence of ocular disorders in Liberia: a retrospective study using the eyeSmart electronic medical record system

# Background This study aims to describe the demographic distribution and ocular diagnosis of the patients presenting to the Liberia Eye Center, Monrovia, using the eyeSmart Electronic Medical Record system. # Methods A retrospective study was conducted on patients presenting to Liberia Eye Center from July 2017 to July 2018. A total of 5258 patients were examined during this period. Data was collected from eyeSmart Electronic Medical Record system database. The variables in the collected data include age, gender, location, occupation, socioeconomic status, laterality of eye affected, and ocular diagnosis. All the counties were included in the study. A total of 8234 instances of ocular diagnosis were made in 5258 patients. # Results Of the total 5258 patients, the majority of them presented from the county of Lofa (18.77%) and the least number of patients from Gbarpolu (1.62%). Out of the total children examined (16 years and under), females outnumbered males (8.25% vs. 4.87%). Among the adults, almost equal number of males (50.1%) and females (49.9%) presented to the clinic. The most common diagnosis was uncorrected refractive errors (34.89%) followed by the cornea and anterior segment disorders, cataract and glaucoma in that order. But in children aged 16 years and under, cornea and anterior segment related disorders (6.01%) were the most common diagnosis and the least common diagnosis was amblyopia (0.34%). Majority of the patients were unemployed (60.54%) and the most common profession in the remaining cohort was a student (8.96%). # Conclusions Refractive error was found to be the most common ocular diagnosis and the second most common presentation was cornea and anterior segment disorders in Liberian population. In children aged 16 years and under, cornea and anterior segment related disorders were the most common ocular diagnosis. The description of various ocular diseases and their clinical presentation for the first time in a Liberian population provides the opportunity for further research. The digitization of eye care using electronic medical record systems is a progressive step forward to help formulate strategies for health policy to combat avoidable blindness across Liberia.

Pattern of ocular disorders in an oil community

Background: Environmental pollutants particularly from industries can be a significant cause of ocular disorders. This could affect not just quality of life but also productivity especially in an occupationally active age group. The aim of this study was to determine the pattern and prevalence of ocular disorders in an oil community.Methods: A retrospective study was carried out after a one day free medical outreach at Ekerekana- ama, Okrika. Information culled from the records of each patient included demographic data, visual acuity, ocular findings and diagnosis.Results: A total of two hundred and forty-two subjects were studied. Refractive error and presbyopia were the commonest ocular disorder seen. Ocular surface disorders comprising of allergic conjunctivitis, pterygium, photophobia and bacterial conjunctivitis, was the second most common with a prevalence of 12%.Conclusions: The pattern and distribution of ocular disorders in this study mirrors that reported in other studies done in oil communities to a considerable extent. Government interventions in formulating and regulating refining processes should be reinforced. Provision of more accessible eye care in those communities will also improve their ocular status significantly.

Prevalence of ocular abnormalities in prediabetic patients.

The aim of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of ocular abnormalities in prediabetic individuals. 61 subjects aged 37-78 (41 women, 20 men), with impaired fasting glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance, were enrolled in the study and compared to 30 healthy volunteers, aged 39-75 (20 women, 10 men), without prediabetes and history of previous ocular diseases. Both groups of patients underwent a complete physical examination, biochemical tests and ophthalmic examination: visual acuity testing, intraocular pressure measurement, anterior and posterior segment evaluation, fundus photographs, optical coherence tomography, colour vision and letter contrast sensitivity tests. The prevalence rates of various ocular abnormalities in prediabetic subjects as compared to healthy controls were as follows: acquired colour vision impairment 8.2% vs. 0% (p<0.05), signs of retinopathy: 9.8% vs. 0% (p<0.05), cataract: 32.8%/ vs. 6.7% (p<0.05), and corneal surface disorders: 19.7% vs. 3.3% (p<0.05). Optical coherence tomography revealed increased prevalence of posterior vitreous detachments and epiretinal membranes in prediabetic individuals as compared to healthy controls. There were no statistically significant differences in central retinal thickness, mean visual acuity and mean intraocular pressure between the two groups. Patients with prediabetes present with numerous ocular abnormalities. The prevalence of ocular disorders in prediabetic subjects is significantly higher as compared to healthy population. Regular ophthalmic monitoring seems to be essential at this stage of hyperglycemic disorders. A dedicated prevention and screening programs should be implemented in prediabetic population in order to early detect ocular abnormalities and identify individuals at risk of other diabetic complications.

Prevalence of Ocular Disorders in Multiple Myeloma

Prevalence of Ocular Disorders in Multiple Myeloma

Prevalence of Ocular Disorders in Learning Disabled Children and Their Functional Visual Performance Before and After Providing Spectacle Correction

Prevalence of Ocular Disorders in Learning Disabled Children and Their Functional Visual Performance Before and After Providing Spectacle Correction

Parents' Perceptions towards the Role of School Health Units at Early Detection of Ocular Disorders among Students in Qassim Province, Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, vision screenings are usually carried out by school health units (SHUs) and are mandatory for all children enrolling in schools. However, these screenings can miss visual disorders that could lead to public health problems. The purpose of this study was to examine parent perceptions of the role of SHUs towards early detection of visual problems among male students in Qassim Province, Saudi Arabia. The objectives of this research were; (1) to critically identify the relationship between school health units and early detection of visual disorders, as well as the impact of school services and activities on early detection of eye problems from the perspective of students' parents, and (2) to provide recommendations for health policies that may help reduce the prevalence of ocular disorders among students. Descriptive statistics were used to analyses responses of 100 parents from ten schools in two chosen areas in Qassim Province, regarding the role of SHUs and school support, as factors perceived by students' parents associated with early detection of ocular disorders. The findings of the research indicated inequity in accessibility to the SHUs' facilities. Furthermore, there was a lack of vision screenings by a SHU. In addition, the role of the school was not supported in detecting eye problems earlier. This study generally found that vision screenings conducted by SHUs are still insufficient after more than three decades. Accordingly, it was recommended to increase knowledge about eye health care for students and their parents, and to establish health clinics in schools. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n4p198

A study of prevalence of ocular disorders in primary school children in Warangal

A study of prevalence of ocular disorders in primary school children in Warangal

Retinal Microvasculopathy Is Common in HIV/AIDS Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Ghana.

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ocular disorders in HIV positive patients attending the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Ghana. Methods. A cross-sectional study using systematic random sampling was conducted on 295 HIV positive patients. Data collection consisted of semistructured questionnaires, laboratory investigation, medical profile, and ophthalmic examination. Statistical association tests including χ2, independent t-test, and ANOVA were done. A p value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. Of the 295 participants, 205 (69.5%) were on antiretroviral therapy while 90 (30.3%) were not on therapy. Majority of the participants (162, 54.9%) were in clinical stage two, followed by stages three (68, 23.1%), one (62, 21%), and four (3, 1%), respectively. The overall prevalence of ocular disorders was 5.8%. The most common HIV related ocular disorder was HIV retinal microvasculopathy (58.8%), followed by herpes zoster ophthalmicus and Toxoplasma retinochoroiditis, both representing 11.8% of ocular disorders seen. Cytomegalovirus retinitis, Bell's palsy, and optic neuritis were the least common (5.9%). CMV retinitis recorded the highest viral load of 1,474,676 copies/mL and mean CD4 count of 136 cells/mm3. The mean CD4 count for participants with HIV related ocular disorders was significantly lower compared to participants without disorders (t = 2.5, p = 0.012). Participants with ocular disorders also recorded significantly higher mean viral loads than those who did not have ocular disorders (t = 2.8, p = 0.006). Conclusion. Lower CD4 counts and high viral load copies were associated with the manifestation of HIV related ocular disorders.

Ocular Morbidity in Rural Communities in Imo State South East Nigeria

Introduction: Approximately 80% of blindness is avoidable. Poverty and ignorance have been reported as factors responsible for many cases. There is a poor uptake of orthodox eye health services and an increase in the consultation of traditional healers in the developing countries. Age, level of education, occupation, cost and accessibility to these traditional healers have been reported as predictors of this behavior. The absence of eye care services at the rural areas have necessitated the use of free eye screening/treatment as tools for educating and offering eye care to these rural dwellers. Various patterns of eye diseases have been described in different regions and localities within and outside Nigeria. This study aims to determine the pattern and prevalence of ocular disorders in some rural areas of Imo state where primary eye care facilities are scarce with a view to making recommendations to the health authorities for proper planning of eye care services in the state. Methods: This was a retrospective review of data generated from self-selected patients during the free eye screening organized in each of the 3 senatorial zones of Imo state by the Federal Medical Centre Owerri, Imo state. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Results: A total of 1973 subjects participated in the outreach. There were 1111 (56.3%) females and 862 (43.7%) males giving a ratio of 1.3:1. The most common causes of ocular morbidity were refractive error (31.6%), glaucoma (23.5%), presbyopia (17%), and cataract (12.5%). Refractive error, glaucoma, and cataract were significantly associated with age and sex while presbyopia was only positively associated age. Conclusion: Considering the causes of ocular morbidity noted in this study, there is an urgent need to establish primary eye care services in these remote and rural areas in order to achieve the vision 2020 goal of eliminating avoidable blindness.

The prevalence of ocular disorders among preschool aged children

The prevalence of ocular disorders among preschool aged children

Ocular findings among young men: a 12‐year prevalence study of military service in Poland

To determine the prevalence of ocular diseases among young men and to assess the main ocular causes reflecting discharge from military service in Poland. A retrospective review of the medical records of 105 017 men undergoing a preliminary examination for military service during the period 1993-2004. Sample size for the study was calculated with 99% confidence within an error margin of 5%. All of the study participants were White men of European origin, most of whom live or lived in Poland. Data regarding the vision status were assessed in 1938 eyes of 969 participants. Two groups were distinguished based on the age of the participants: group I aged 18-24 years, and group II aged 25-34 years. Presented visual impairment [visual acuity (VA)<20/40)] followed by colour vision defects were the most common ocular disorders, accounting for 13.2%. There were statistically significant differences in uncorrected VA as well as in the rates of particular refractive errors in between the age groups (p<0.05). The prevalence of glaucoma and ocular hypertension was significantly higher in older participants. Six hundred and sixty-seven (68.8%) participants examined medically in the study period were accepted for military service. However, 302 (31.2%) failed their examination and were temporarily or permanently discharged from duty. Fifty-two of them (17.2%) were discharged because of various ocular disorders. The most common causes were high refractive errors, which accounted for 38.5% of all the ocular discharges, followed by chronic and recurrent diseases of the posterior segment of the eye, which accounted for 19.2%. The prevalence of ocular disorders among young men in an unselected military population was closer to the results obtained in other population-based studies comprising both men and women in the same age group. High refractive errors followed by chronic and recurrent diseases of the posterior segment of the eye are important causes of medical discharges from military service in Poland.

Subnormal visual acuity (SVAS) and albinism in Mexican 12-13-year-old children.

In a previous study the vision of 1046 12-13-year-olds in Sweden was examined. Of those 67 had some kind of visual disturbances and in 20 no obvious cause was found. In this group, defined as children with subnormal visual acuity syndromes (SVAS), albinism was shown to be a major cause to the visual dysfunction giving a prevalence of about 1%. This is about 100 times higher than previous figures. Albinism can therefore be the cause in many cases of unexplained low visual acuity, at least in Sweden. Subnormal visual acuity is usually found in 2-4% in a pediatric population and is often called 'amblyopia'. The Swedish study showed that in many cases 'amblyopia' should be replaced by 'SVAS' and further investigation. The present Mexican study was designed identically to the Swedish study. The objective was to describe the distribution of visual acuity and the prevalence of ocular disorders, including incidence of subnormal visual acuity (SVAS) and the occurrence of albinism in a Mexican population of 12-13-year-olds. Altogether 1035 children, 12-13 years of age, were examined. A total number of 344 children were referred to the university pediatric eye clinic for further examination. 272 of these had simple refractive errors, 59 were diagnosed with an ophthalmological disorder and 13 children could not be pathologically classified. These were referred to a second ophthalmological examination, including VEP (Visual Evoked Potential) recordings. VEP reveals an asymmetric (right vs. left) cortical response after monocular stimulation in albinism. No child showed iris translucency or any other typical albinoic sign. VEP was recorded from 11 children. Three children showed an asymmetric VEP and were classified as albinos. The VEP response was normal in 8 of the children. The results indicate that albinism is common in Mexico, although not as common as in a similar Swedish population. A prevalence of albinism of approximately 0.3% was found in the Mexican population, compared to approximately 1% in the Swedish study group. The number of albinos was much higher in both study groups than to be expected from previous estimates. The difference between the Swedish and the Mexican figures may be explained by the general difference in pigmentation between Sweden and Mexico and thus probably by the subsequent lower number of commonly occurring albino foci in the Mexican heritage. It is emphasised that in investigations of children with SVAS, also in countries with a generally high pigmentation level, electro-physiological examinations are important, to be able to reveal albinism, but also to exclude or verify other conditions in the SVAS group, for example neurometabolic conditions.

Prevalence of Ocular Disorders among Schoolboys in Five Villages in Al-Baha Region

In early summer, 1990, 3590 schoolboys from the Al-Baha region of Saudi Arabia were assessed for their ocular status. Children from 15 schools were randomly selected to assess eye problems and visual defects. Of the boys examined 3521 (89.7%) had visual acuity of 20/30 or better and 3443 (95.9%) achieved 20/30 or better after correction. The main causes of visual impairment were refractive error in 260 (7.2%) and amblyopia in 58 (1.6%). Seventeen (0.5%) boys had strabismus. Vernal keratoconjunctivitis was found in 204 (5.7%). Four hundred and forty-nine (26.4%) had nonspecific conjunctivitis, 173 (4.8%) had bacterial conjunctivitis, and 28 (0.8%) had blepharitis. Of the five geographical areas surveyed, trachoma was only found in the Aqeek area among 49 (1.4%) schoolboys. Earlier detection and treatment of visual impairment is of paramount importance in decreasing the rate of visual loss among schoolchildren.