TITLE:
Study of Refractive Needs in School Children: Case of a Private Eye Care Structure in Bamako
AUTHORS:
Konaté Daouda, Sall Fatou, Yattara Maimouna, Mariko Bréhima, Sogoba Sanata, Dembélé Lucienne, Doumbia Daouda, Traoré Abdramane, Camara Claude Oumar Bernard, Kouma Aminata, Keita Koniba, Napo Abdoulaye, Sylla Fatoumata, Traoré Lamine
KEYWORDS:
Children, Refractive Errors
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Ophthalmology,
Vol.15 No.1,
February
14,
2025
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Refractive errors in school children continue to receive less attention and priority in many developing countries. Refractive errors can be a source of poor vision and disinterest in school. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of ametropia in school children. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out at the International Ophthalmology Center of Mali covering the period from January 1 to June 30, 2024, involving all school children. Results: A total of 207 children out of 702 school children received during the study period presented refractive errors. The most affected age group was 16 - 20 years old, with an average age of 16.95 years. The female sex was the majority, with 77.2% compared to 22.2% for the male sex. The main reasons for consultation were visual fatigue (36.2%) and tearing (20.2%). Hyperopia astigmatism was the most common refractive error, with a frequency of 62.3%. Low ametropia (Discussions: The management of refractive errors in school children is a major factor in their educational success. Conclusion: Early detection and management of refractive needs in school children can be key elements allowing them to be more efficient in daily activities.