Original Article November 06, 2024 November 06, 2024

Visual impairment in scholars: extension programs and public health

DOI: 10.37039/1982.8551.20240064

ABSTRACT

Objective:

To know the prevalence of visual impairment in children from pre-selected public schools, as well as to analyze and intervene in it.

Methods:

The study was conducted in four stages. During the first and second ones, school professionals and medical students were trained in visual screening to perform the visual acuity of children in the first years of Elementary School. Children with altered acuity received ophthalmologic referral for diagnosis and intervention.

Results:

Of the 450 children screened, 64 (14.22%) were referred for complete ophthalmologic examination, of whom 52 (81.25%) attended the consultation. Of these, 37 (71.1%) had refractive errors as the main cause of visual impairment. Nineteen (51.35%) were diagnosed with myopia, 9 (17.3%) with hyperopia, and 9 (17.3%) with astigmatism, who were referred to ophthalmologic follow-up.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of refractive errors in the child population of municipal public schools was the main cause of visual impairment.