Refractive Errors in Primary School Children in Nigeria
AUTHOR:
Faderin, M.A. and Ajaiyeoba, A.I.
SPONSOR/INSTITUTION:
YEAR PUBLISHED:
2001
PUBLICATION:
Nigerian Journal of Ophthalmology
KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of refractive errors in primary school children in the Nigerian Army children school.
This was a cross-sectional study conducted with 919 pupils from two primary schools selected through stratified random sampling methods.
The prevalence of refractive error was 7.3% (95% CI = 5.5% – 9.1%).
Hypermetropia predominated with 52.2% of all errors and was common between 6 and 15 years of age.
Myopia was found in only 9% of children and was common in children less than 8 years of age.
Astigmatism was present in 38.8% of children who above 13 years of age.
Frequent school-screening programs that provide glasses at low cost or free of charge for those who have refractive errors should be promoted in Nigeria.