Vision and eye problems in seven year olds: a report from the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Unit.

An eye examination, including tests of distance visual acuity, near visual acuity, cover tests, and an examination of pupils, eyes, adnexia, and eye movements, was carried out on 988 Dunedin children within approximately one month of their seventh birthday. Information concerning glasses and patching of one eye was obtained by questionnaire. Eye defects were noted in 9.4% of the children with several having more than one problem. Eye defects noted included 5.1% with unaided distance visual acuity of 6/12 or worse in one or both eyes, 4.4% with near visual acuity of the equivalent of N8 or worse in one or both eyes, 3.9% had manifest strabismus, 2.9% had had occlusion of one eye for amblyopia, and 1.2% had other important eye defects. Glasses had been prescribed for 3.6%.