scholarly journals Socio-economic differences in accessing NHS spectacles amongst children with differing refractive errors living in Scotland

Eye ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Kearney ◽  
Niall C. Strang ◽  
Jim Lewsey ◽  
Augusto Azuara-Blanco ◽  
Sven Jonuscheit
Keyword(s):  
Refractive Error ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Reference Group ◽  
Information Services ◽  
Eye Disease ◽  
Refractive Errors ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Eye Examination ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Index Of Multiple Deprivation

Abstract Background/objectives Adults living in more deprived areas are less likely to attend an eye examination, resulting in greater visual impairment from undiagnosed eye disease and a widening of health inequalities. It is unknown if the introduction of free NHS eye examinations and help with spectacle costs has benefited children in Scotland. This study aimed to explore factors associated with accessing NHS spectacles including level of deprivation, refractive error, urbanity and age. Subjects/methods NHS-financed General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) 3 supplement the cost of spectacles for children under 16 years. Administrative data on the spectacle refraction dispensed were obtained from Information Services Division (ISD) for mainland Scotland, 2018, and categorised by: Emmetropes/low hyperopes (reference group), myopes and moderate/high hyperopes. Data were linked to the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) quintile. Results Data included 108, 043 GOS 3 claims. Greater deprivation was associated with greater GOS 3 claims p = 0.041. This was most evident in emmetropic/low hyperopic children and in moderate/high hyperopic children. GOS 3 claims in the myopes group increased with age across all SIMD and decreased with age in the moderate/high hyperope group (all p < 0.001). GOS 3 claims were not associated with urbanity for all Health Boards (p = 0.13). Conclusions Children in areas of greater deprivation and in more rural areas are not disadvantaged in accessing NHS spectacles. This did not vary by refractive error group. This suggests that health policy in Scotland is accessible to those from all deprivation levels and refractive errors.

The prevalence and causes of visual impairment in Dariyah, a rural community in Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Waleed Alghamdi ◽  
Godwin O. Ovenseri-Ogbomo
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Rural Community ◽  
Refractive Error ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Vision Impairment ◽  
Health Examination ◽  
Refractive Errors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Eye Examination

Background: Visual impairment is disproportionately distributed between rural and urban dwellers. Rural dwellers have limited access to the eye care services that are available in urban cities.Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and causes of visual impairment in Dariyah, a rural community in the Qassim region, Saudi Arabia.Setting: This research comprised a population-based assessment of the vision and visual status of the inhabitants of Dariyah community.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted amongst the inhabitants of the community of Dariyah. A comprehensive eye examination consisting of visual acuity, ocular health examination, objective and subjective refraction was performed. The examinations were conducted by registered ophthalmologists and optometrists from the Qassim University. Vision impairments were categorised according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), Section 9D90, ‘Vision impairment including blindness’ (2018).Results: In all, 68 (24.5%) participants had vision impairment (using the better-seeing eye), with refractive errors being the main cause of vision impairment. Other causes of vision impairment included cataract (20, 7.2%), trichiasis (5, 1.8%) and glaucoma (2, 0.7%). Refractive errors were present in 193 (69.7%), with astigmatism being the commonest refractive error. About 60% of those with refractive errors presented without spectacles for correction, and 20% reported that they had never had an eye examination. Refractive errors could not be determined in 19 (6.9%) of the subjects because of conditions such as matured cataract and other ocular abnormalities.Conclusion: Uncorrected refractive error was found to be the leading cause of vision impairment in this rural community in Saudi Arabia.

scholarly journals Pattern of Refractive Error in Primary School Children in Rupandehi District, Nepal

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salma K.C. Rai ◽  
Hari Bahadur Thapa ◽  
Nanda Gurung ◽  
Arjun Malla Bhari ◽  
Manoj K Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Primary School ◽  
Refractive Error ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
Refractive Errors ◽  
Medical Sciences ◽  
School Students ◽  
Government School ◽  
The Government ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas

INTRODUCTION: Refractive error remains one of the primary causes of visual impairment in children worldwide. This study describes pattern of refractive errors among primary school students in Rupandehi district, Nepal.MATERIAL AND METHODS: Records of 128 children with refractive error aged 5-15 years from both urban and rural areas in Nepal between January and March 2011 were examined for patterns in the distribution of refractive errors. SPSS statistical software was used to perform analysis.RESULTS: The commonest type of refractive errors among the children was astigmatism (47%) followed by myopia (26%) and hyperopia (19%). Children in the age group 11-15 years had higher number of eyes with refractive error as compared to their younger counterparts 5 years /or below 5 years (49% vs. 9%). 71% students were from schools located in rural areas. Among the children with refractive errors, only 44.5% students were wearing glasses. 57% of the students studying in private schools were wearing glasses but only 26.9% students from the government school were wearing glasses.CONCLUSION: A wide variation in the distribution of refractive errors between the geographic locations, gender basis, types of schools as well as between the different ethnic groups was observed.Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences Vol. 3, No. 1, 2015: 31-36

scholarly journals Refractive Errors: Prevalence and Pattern among Rural Population of Islamabad, Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 103-108
Author(s):  
Waseem Akhter ◽  
Erum Yousafzai ◽  
Afia Matloob Rana ◽  
Shakaib Anwar
Keyword(s):  
Refractive Error ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Contact Lenses ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
P Value ◽  
Refractive Errors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Female Population ◽  
Common Error ◽  
Myopic Astigmatism

Background: Refractive error is the most common cause of correctable visual loss worldwide. Decreased vision due to refractive error can be easily corrected with the help of spectacles, contact lenses and refractive surgery. However, there are 42% of uncorrected refractive errors all over the world. The present study aimed to evaluate different kinds of refractive errors, its prevalence and pattern in patients from rural areas who visited our hospital in the last five years. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 2,138 patients, who visited eye OPD at Rawal Institute of Health Sciences, Islamabad during a period of five years i.e. from September, 2013 to September, 2018. Patients having only refractive error with an age of five years and above were included in the study.  All patients had objective refraction with automated refractometer followed by subjective refraction. Data was entered and analyzed in SPSS version 20.0. Chi-square test was used for comparing groups with a P-value of <0.05 considered as statistically significant. Results: Compound myopic astigmatism was the most common error found in our study population (n=575; 26.9%). The second most frequent complaint was simple myopia (n=501; 23.4%) followed by presbyopia (n=441; 20.6%) and mixed astigmatism (n=235; 11%). Patients with more than one refractive error included 178 (8.3%) with mixed astigmatism and presbyopia and 78 (3.6%) with simple myopia and presbyopia. Compound myopic astigmatism was more prevalent in younger ages compared to older age groups (46.4% vs 19.9%) (P <0.001). Mixed astigmatism (12.4% vs 8.9%), simple myopia (23.8% vs 22.9%) and presbyopia (21.3% vs 19.5%) were slightly greater in females than males (P=0.07), respectively. Conclusions: The prevalence of myopia is significantly higher among female population and young individuals. Mixed astigmatism combined with presbyopia is more common among elderly population.

Refraction in the Pediatric Eye Examination

2022 ◽  
pp. 126-154
Author(s):  
Marilyn Vricella
Keyword(s):  
Refractive Error ◽  
Accurate Determination ◽  
Refractive Errors ◽  
Academic Problems ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Common Causes ◽  
Eye Examination ◽  
Critical Components ◽  
Uncorrected Refractive Error

Accurate determination of refractive error is one of the most critical components of a pediatric eye examination. According to the National Eye Institute, refractive errors are the most common causes of correctable reduced vision in children. Children with uncorrected refractive error are more likely to have developmental delays, visual-related academic problems, and poor social skills or interactions. In addition to difficulty seeing, uncorrected refractive errors can contribute to developmental deficits of accommodation, binocular vision, and certain forms of strabismus, amblyopia, and perceptual function. The author provides the clinician an in-depth guide on how to determine the refractive error in pediatric patients. The chapter focuses on the specific techniques, advantages and disadvantages, equipment required, and step-by-step procedures for performing retinoscopy, objective refraction, and subjective refraction on children.

scholarly journals Refractive Error among Male Primary School Students in Jazan, Saudi Arabia: Prevalence and Associated Factors

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 264-272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tariq Al Bahhawi ◽  
Anwar M Makeen ◽  
Hadi Hassan Daghreeri ◽  
Mohannad Faisal Tobaigy ◽  
Abdulrahman Mohammed Adawi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Primary School ◽  
School Children ◽  
Refractive Error ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Rural Students ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
Refractive Errors ◽  
School Students ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: Refractive error is a common and serious eye disorder that affects more than 153 million people globally. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and pattern of refractive error among male primary school children in Jazan region, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among a randomly selected group of 395 students (aged 6-14 years) in Jazan region, Southwest Saudi Arabia. An optometrist and medical students assessed the refraction error using an autorefractor, a Snellen E chart and retinoscopy. Results: The overall prevalence of uncorrected refractive error in either eye was, 22% higher among rural students. The most prevalent refractive error was hyperopia (32.2%) followed by myopic astigmatism (31%) then myopia (17.2%). Next were hyperopic astigmatism (16.1%) and mixed astigmatism (3.5%). The following variables were associated with a higher risk of refractive errors and myopia: living in rural areas, having parents with refractive errors, spending more time on electronic devices and shorter visual distances. Conclusion: Refractive error was highly prevalent among primary school children in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. The rural students were more affected by refractive errors, mainly hyperopia. The preschool vision test should be reconsidered, and a periodic vision examination should be applied to detect vision problems as early as possible.

scholarly journals Prevalence Of Refractive Errors In School Going Children In Rural And Urban Areas -A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 22-27
Author(s):  
Dr. Chimata Triveni ◽  
◽  
Dr. Tirumuru Divya ◽  
Dr. Ponna Rama Devi ◽  
Dr. N. Lakshmi Chowdary ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Refractive Error ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Study Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
P Value ◽  
Refractive Errors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Rural And Urban Areas ◽  
Rural And Urban

Introduction: Visual impairment affects students’ routine schoolwork and day-to-day activities.Hence, the aim is to study the prevalence of various refractive errors and their comparison amongschool children of 5-15 years in rural and urban areas. Methods: This cross-sectional studyexamined 998 students from both rural and urban schools. After obtaining ethical clearance andinformed consent, students were examined for refractive errors. The students with the refractiveerror were given a socio-demographic questionnaire and questionnaire regarding their usage oftelevision, computer, and family history of refractive errors. A Chi-square test was used to test thestatistical significance of proportions. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant, anddata were analyzed by using coGuide software, V.1.03 Results: The prevalence of refractive errorwas found to be 6.41 %, with a prevalence of 7.61% in urban and 5.21% in rural areas. Thedifference in the type of refractive error between the study groups was found to be insignificant,with P= 0.897. Conclusion: Prevalence of refractive errors was more in urban school children thanrural. Refractive error was more prevalent in 13-15 years age group in both rural and urban schoolchildren. The most common refractive error was myopia, followed by astigmatism andhypermetropia.

scholarly journals Skin cancer risk factors among black South Africans — the Johannesburg Cancer Study, 1995–2016

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Babongile Confidence Ndlovu ◽  
Mazvita Sengayi-Muchengeti ◽  
Caradee Y Wright ◽  
Wenlong C Chen ◽  
Lazarus Kuonza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Reference Group ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Anatomical Site ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Skin Cancers

Abstract Background The Black population is known to have lower risk for skin cancers due to melanin content of the skin. Regardless, skin cancers still occur in Black populations. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors associated with skin cancer among Blacks presenting at selected tertiary hospitals in Johannesburg, South Africa. Methods A case-control study was conducted; cases were patients with keratinocyte cancers (KCs) and/or melanoma skin cancer (MSC) and controls were cardiovascular patients. Socio-demographic exposures (sex and residency), environmental exposures (heating and cooking fuels), smoking, and HIV status were assessed. The proportions of cases by skin cancer major subtype, demographics, histological spectrum and anatomical site of distribution were determined. A stepwise (backward elimination) logistic regression was done to identify risk factors associated with KC and MSC. Results More KCs (n = 160) were found compared to MSCs (n = 101). The majority of both KCs and MSCs were reported in ages 51-60-years (27%). The median age at KC and MSC diagnosis was similar in both sexes; 50-years (IQR:38–57) and 56-years (IQR:48–68), respectively. The KC histological spectrum showed that there were more squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) (78/160 in females, and 72/160 in males) than basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The SCC lesions were mostly found on the skin of the head and neck in males (51%, 38/72) and on the trunk in females (46%, 36/78). MSC was shown to affect the skin of the lower limbs in both males (68%, 27/40) and females (59%, 36/61). Using females as the reference group, when age, current place of residency, type of cooking fuel used currently, smoking, and HIV status were adjusted for, males had an odds ratio (OR) of 2.04 for developing KC (CI:1.08–3.84, p = 0.028). Similarly, when age, current place of residency, place of cooking (indoors or outdoors) were adjusted for, males had an OR of 2.26 for developing MSC (CI:1.19–4.29, p = 0.012). Conclusions Differences in anatomical distribution of KCs by sex suggest different risk factors between sexes. Rural dwelling was a newly found association to skin cancer and warrants further investigation. This study highlights the importance of skin cancer awareness campaigns and interventions especially in rural areas.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Refractive Errors in Children

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL4) ◽  
pp. 2249-2253
Author(s):  
Krithiga M ◽  
Xavier Jayaseelan C
Keyword(s):  
Refractive Error ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Common Type ◽  
Refractive Errors ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Eye Examination

The purpose of this study is to estimate the prevalence of refractive errors in children. Children of selected ages will be identified for visual acuity measurement, and primary eye examination will be performed. A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the refractive errors in children in Saveetha medical college. A comprehensive eye examination was performed, and children with different types of refractive errors were found out. A total of 100 children were taken for the study. The sample size of the study is 100. Eye examination was performed, and refractive error was evaluated. The refractive errors that are most common in the affected age groups can be found out. The most common refractive error was found to be myopia, followed by hypermetropia and then astigmatism. This study helps to identify the most common type of error, and the causes can be found out. This is also helpful in the prevention of these errors. Early diagnosis will lead to proper and effective treatment. When these errors are left untreated, it can cause other severe effects in the eye. Awareness should be created among both the children and the parents about this problem, and the importance of regular eye examination can be stressed through this study.

scholarly journals Ocular Morbidity among Orphanages

2010 ◽  
Vol 49 (177) ◽  
Author(s):  
M K Shrestha ◽  
L Wolf ◽  
U Shrestha ◽  
K Gurung ◽  
B S Chansi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Common Type ◽  
Kathmandu Valley ◽  
Refractive Errors ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Keywords Children ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Ocular Deviation ◽  
Eye Examination ◽  
Ocular Morbidity

INTRODUCTION: The study assesses the spectrum of ocular morbidity and predictors of morbidity in children living in orphanages in the Kathmandu Valley. METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was performed at 12 orphanages over a period of three months. The survey included a questionnaire and a complete eye examination, which included measurement of refraction, ocular deviation, and a fundus exam. Prevalence of ocular morbidity was calculated. Factors associated with ocular morbidity were examined using logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 660 children were included in the study (median age nine years [range 0.25-15]; 53% male). The prevalence of ocular morbiditywas 17.9% (118). Of those with ocular morbidity, 88.1% (104) had similar ocular problems bilaterally. The most common type of morbidity was refractive error, found in 70.3% (83) of those with ocular morbidity (12.6% overall). CONCLUSIONS: Refractive errors, which are largely correctable, are the greatest source of morbidity. In order to reduce childhood blindness, children living in orphanages are an appropriate group to target for future ocular screening in Nepal. Keywords: children, Nepal, ocular morbidity, ocular screening, orphanage

scholarly journals Refractive Errors and Strabismus In Patients with Orofacial Clefts

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camille Catarina Artuso ◽  
Ana Kelly Fernandes ◽  
Luisa Moreira Hopker ◽  
Ricardo Mokross Fernandes ◽  
Renato da Silva Freitas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Refractive Error ◽  
Medical Records ◽  
Cleft Lip ◽  
Cleft Lip And Palate ◽  
Refractive Errors ◽  
Orofacial Clefts ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Eye Examination ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Isolated Cleft Palate

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the prevalence of refractive errors and strabismus in patients with orofacial clefts. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed the medical records of 54 patients with orofacial clefts between August 2018 and March 2020. A complete eye examination was performed, including visual acuity assessment on a logMAR scale, anterior biomicroscopy, cycloplegic refraction, eye motility examination, and indirect ophthalmoscopy. Results: The mean age of the patients at presentation was 9.47 years. Twentythree (42.59%) patients had isolated cleft palate (CP), 10 (18.52%) had cleft lip (CL), and 21 (38.89%) had cleft lip and palate (CLP). The mean spherical equivalent was 1.30D (±1.56) in CL, 0.32D (±2.24) in CLP, and 0.62D (±3.76) in CP. The prevalence of refractive error, either spherical or cylinder >0.5 was 88%. The most common refractive error was hyperopia (60%), followed by astigmatism (54%) and myopia (16%). Overall, 52.63% of the patients were prescribed glasses. No statistically significant difference was observed between the groups with respect to the need for prescription of glasses (p=0.6753). There were 15 patients with some type of strabismus, and other ophthalmological changes were observed in 13 patients. Conclusion: In this population with orofacial clefts, the prevalence of refractive errors and strabismus was 88% and 22%, respectively.

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