Behavior disorders in children with significant refractive errors

Abstract

PurposeTo evaluate the frequency of behavioral disorders in children with significant refractive error and to compare the results with those of emmetropic children.MethodsIn this prospective, comparative study from January to September 2013, refractive errors of all 5–12-year-old children who referred to a general eye clinic were recorded. A validated Persian version of the Rutter A scale was filled out by the parents for the evaluation of the child's behavioral disorders. The Rutter A scale scores of children with significant refractive error were compared with those of emmetropic eyes. Student t test, Chi square test, and Fisher's exact test were used for analysis. Differences with a P value less than 0.05 were considered significant.ResultsOne hundred eighty-three patients, including 101 patients with significant refractive error and 82 emmetropic subjects, were studied. Overall, 44 patients (24%) had behavioral disorders, according to the Rutter A scale scores. Thirty patients (29.7%) with significant refractive error and 14 emmetropic subjects (16.9%) had behavioral disorders (P = 0.043). The prevalence of behavioral disorders were 37.5% in hyperopia, 35.7% in hyperopia-astigmatism, 21.4% in simple astigmatism, 16.7% in myopia-astigmatism, and 14.3% in myopia. Compared with emmetropic subjects, the prevalence of behavioral disorders was statistically significantly higher only in patients with hyperopia and hyperopia-astigmatism (P = 0.019 and P = 0.040).ConclusionThe prevalence of behavioral disorders is higher in children with hyperopia and hyperopia-astigmatism.

Tribal Odisha Eye Disease Study (TOES) # 7. Prevalence of refractive error in children in tribal Odisha (India) school screening

“…But this could also be attributed to the following reasons: (1) accommodation was not tested in children who read 20/20 on the Snellen chart; (2) Spot screener used in the study is known to underestimate hyperopia in children. [ 5 ]…”

“…[ 2 ] The impact of refractive error is greater in children since it affects their social and mental well-being, education, and development. [ 3 4 5 ] The solution to the URE is simple refraction and dispensing of the required spectacles through the challenges lie in an inadequate number of eye health personnel,[ 6 ] training required for accurate retinoscopy, and in certain countries the cost and supply of spectacles. Between the strategies for screening for refractive error in children in the population and in the school, the latter is considered more cost-effective.…”

Comparison of the pediatric vision screening program in 18 countries across five continents

“…A questionnaire, included in home-based vision screening battery in Japan and South Korea, seemed to provide quantifiable information. Broader conditions might be able to be identified through a questionnaire, such as vision problems associated with physical symptoms and behavioral changes 77 . The prevalence of behavioral disorders among children with refractive error was higher than those with emmetropia 77 .…”

“…Broader conditions might be able to be identified through a questionnaire, such as vision problems associated with physical symptoms and behavioral changes 77 . The prevalence of behavioral disorders among children with refractive error was higher than those with emmetropia 77 . The use of a questionnaire might assist children or parents to perceive oblivious symptoms and risk factors of vision problems.…”

Performance of Photoscreener in Detection of Refractive Error in All Age Groups and Amblyopia Risk Factors in Children in a Tribal District of Odisha: The Tribal Odisha Eye Disease Study (TOES) # 3

“… 3 The problem is more serious in children as it is likely to also impact their mental wellbeing and intellectual development. 4 Amblyopia is a reversible deficit of vision that should be treated within the sensitive period for visual development. 5 Risk factors for amblyopia include strabismus, ametropia, anisometropia, and optical deprivation.…”