Introduction. Significant refractive error is both the most prevalent and easiest to correct vision problem in preschool aged children. When undetected and untreated, it causes blurred vision and is a major risk factor for the development of amblyopia and strabismus. Poor vision may also cause substantive effects on academic performance.
Methods. Pediatric optometrists performed examination of refractive error by cycloplegic retinoscopy on 266 African American Philadelphia Head Start children aged 3-5 years. Examinations were carried out at Pennsylvania College of Optometry using standardized testing protocols and employing diagnostic criteria established for each category of refractive error.
Results. Prevalence rates (with 95% confidence intervals) for each type of refractive error found in the Head Start preschoolers include: myopia - 6.0% (3.1%, 8.9%), hyperopia - 15.4% (11.1%, 19.7%), astigmatism - 12.0% (8.1%, 15.9%), anisometropia 6.0%, (3.1%, 8.9%), one or more refractive condition - 27.4% ( 22.0%, 32.8%).
Conclusions. Refractive error is a prevalent, correctable vision disorder in preschool aged children. The results of this investigation, particularly the high rate of anisometropia, suggest that testing for refractive error should be included in programs used to detect vision disorders in preschool children. Effective detection and treatment of these refractive errors is expected to reduce the incidence of amblyopia, the cause of more vision loss in people under the age of 45 than all other causes of vision loss combined.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the discussion, the participant will be able to 1) recognize the high prevalence of refractive error in preschool aged children, 2) based on this high prevalence, develop a screening program to detect the presence of significant refractive in young children in order to reduce the incidence of amblyopia. During the session, the presenter will discuss the high prevalence of refractive error in the preschool aged population and emphasize its strong association with visually disabling conditions such as amblyopia
Keywords: Vision Care, Screening Instruments
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.