TITLE:
Study of Vision Problems in Schools in Libreville and Owendo, Gabon
AUTHORS:
Simon Ategbo, Jean Koko, Edgar Brice Ngoungou, Eliane Kuissi, Christelle Moyou Tchapbou, Steeve Minto’o, Emmanuel Mve Mengome, André Moussavou
KEYWORDS:
Visual Acuity, Children, Schools, Color Vision
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
Vol.4 No.4,
December
30,
2014
ABSTRACT: The
purpose of this work is to evaluate the epidemiological aspects of vision
problems and their repercussions in the
schooling of children in Libreville and Owendo. Methodology: This transversal
and descriptive study was carried out in May and June 2011. Included in the
study were children in the 7th and 8th grades of the
primary schools in Libreville and Owendo. For each child, an eye exam,
including the subjective measure of visual acuity, was carried out using the
Monoyer scale, and the color vision assessment was carried out with the
Ishihara test. Any visual capacity under or equal to 7/10th in at
least one eye was considered to be pathological. We gathered information about
demographic characteristics, any preceding vision issues on the record, data on
other medical problems on the record and the eye examination on computer cards.
Results: Nine hundred and sixty-three children (416 boys and 517 girls, with a
gender ratio of 0.86) were examined. The average age was 12 ± 1.7 years
old. The prevalence of the drop in visual acuity was 16.2%. The prevalence of
color vision anomalies was 15.5%. Complaints concerning vision problems were
significantly more present from children with a drop in visual acuity (p 0.01).
Visual anomalies had an impact on the children’s schoolwork, and yet, visits to
the ophthalmologist’s office were few. Conclusion: The frequency of anomalies
in vision justifies systematic screening in schools and organization of an
appropriate treatment.