Abstract
Purpose :
The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of refractive errors and any other obvious ocular disorders among the school children and adult members of the local community in Nepal; and then to assess the need for comprehensive eye care services.
Methods :
The study encompassed a sample of 338 people, 313 children (≤18y.o.) and 25 adults (≥19y.o.), aged 2 - 79 years from various regions of Nepal in June - July 2023. Comprehensive eye examinations were done, which included refractive error measurements through a portable auto-refractometer (SpotVision Screener, Welch Allyn), slit-lamp examination via a portable slit-lamp microscope (Smart Eye Camera, OUI Inc.), and dilated fundus examination when necessary also via the portable slit-lamp microscope.
Results :
Refractive errors were the leading cause, astigmatism prevailing at 26.04%. Children accounted for 86.36% and adults for 13.64% of the cases.The gender distribution was divided, with 56.82% among females and 43.18% among males. Hyperopia was mildly present, 4.73%. 93.75% in children and 6.25% cases in adults. 43.75% in females and 56.25% in males. Other findings include myopia - 6.21%; 47.62% cases in children, and 52.38% cases in adults. 57.14% in females, and 42.86% in males. The spherical components lowered with age, indicating the increased chance of developing myopia with age. Gaze was prevalent too - 25.15%. 12.94% in children and 87.06% in adults. Overall 48.24% cases in females and 51.76% cases in males. The portable slit-lamp microscope provided valuable data. Most common was entropion in children, followed by eyelash proliferation, conjunctivitis, and shallow anterior chambers. 0.96% children suffered from grade 1 nuclear sclerotic cataract.
Conclusions :
The study shows that refractive errors and gaze are very prevalent. While there is no urgency yet, systematic eye screening programs, with accessible and affordable eye care services would ensure that the communities’ ophthalmological needs are taken care of. Pediatric cataract cases also showed up, indicating that such screening programs are of high value. Early detection and intervention are crucial, especially in rural areas, to prevent long-term visual impairment and its associated impacts on educational and social outcomes.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.