Ocular screening of schoolchildren in the Southern desert of Jordan

Abstract EN

Objective : To estimate the prevalence of ocular diseases and visual acuity among schoolchildren in the southern desert of Jordan.

Methods : Eight hundred and thirteen children (529 boys, 284 girls) from six schools were screened and examined by two ophthalmologists and two American nurses who were well trained in such medical screening programs.

Visual acuity was recorded using Snellen's E chart Ocular examination was performed using magnification loupe, torchlight, cover test, and ocular motility.

Refraction and keratometry were tested using an auto-keratorefractometer.

Results : One thousand, five hundred and seventy six eyes (96.9 %) were found to have visual acuity of 20 / 30 or better.

Fifty eyes (3.1 %) had visual acuity equal to 20 / 40 or less, among which 12 eyes (24 %) could not be improved due to ocular disease.

Conclusion : This survey reflects excellent eye care in this region ; it shows that allergic conjunctivitis, which includes vernal catarrh, is the main problematic eye disease among children in the deserts of Jordan.