Pattern of eye diseases in children of 5-15 years at Bazzertaline Area (South Karachi) Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence and pattern of eye diseases in children aged 5-15 years.

DESIGN

Population based cross-sectional survey.

PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY

Bazzertaline area of Karachi (South) from July to August, 2003.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A community-based survey was carried out at the Bazzertaline Area, South Karachi, Pakistan on 5110 children 5-15 years of age. The socioeconomic status of the area was low, with many living below the poverty line. The survey used the WHO definitions of visual impairment as criteria for classification. Standard Snell's literate and illiterate charts were used for assessing the visual acuity. An anterior segment examination with a torch light and loupe was carried out and the posterior segment examined with a direct ophthalmoscope, initially without pupil dilation. Suspected cases of amblyopia, albinism, traumatic cataract and squint, etc. were examined with pupil dilatation.

RESULTS

Refractive error of 2% was found to be the primary ocular morbidity, followed by conjunctivitis 1.2%, and squint was found as third ocular morbidity with the prevalence of 0.6%. Those diseases that were less than 0.5% included unilateral amblyopia, corneal ulcer/opacity, cataract, aphakia, trauma, blepharitis, albinism, stye, chalazion and unilateral/bilateral blindness. Bilateral blindness was present in 2.7/1000 children, the major causes being cataract and corneal diseases. Low vision was found in 2.2%, the leading cause being uncorrected refractive error. Visual acuity according to 2.42%. Gender showed higher visual impairment in girls as compared to boys 1.72%. Only one case of vitamin-A deficiency was seen.

CONCLUSION

Provision of spectacles would address the most commonly found problem of uncorrected refractive error. Lack of trained personnel and facilities for low vision services in addition to lack of advocacy and awareness in the community contribute to the pattern of eye disease in the area.