Ocular morbidity in nursery school children in kilungu division, Makueni district

Abstract

Objective To establish the magnitude and pattern of ocular morbidity in rural-based nursery school children in Nunguni zone, Kilungu Division. Methodology This is a school-based cross-sectional study conducted in Nunguni zone, Kilungu division, Makueni District. Nine nursery schools were randomly selected and all the children present during the study were examined, giving a total of six hundred and two (602) children aged between 3 and 10 years of age. Visual acuity for each child was taken and presence of gross stereopsis determined. An orthoptic assessment was done followed by anterior and posterior segment examination. A torch, +20 dioptre loupe, direct and indirect ophthalmoscopes were used for this. Objective refraction was done on those children who either had visual acuity of < 0.6 (Lea chart), <6/9 (E chart) or had a difference in visual acuity of more than one line between the two eyes. A systemic evaluation completed the assessment for each child. All children with conditions requiring management were referred to the eye units at Machakos District hospital or KNH. Results Prevalence of ocular morbidity in nursery school children in Kilungu division of Makueni District was 26.5% (160/602), the commonest being allergic conjunctivitis (21.8 %). Other findings included refractive errors (3.0 %), ptosis (0.8%) and squints (0.3%). Conclusion The current burden and pattern of morbidity is not adequate to warrant pre-school ocular morbidity screening program.