Implementing interventions to promote spectacle wearing among children with refractive errors: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

PurposeTo investigate the level of compliance of children with refractive errors who are provided free spectacles, and to identify the reasons for non-compliance.MethodsWe systematically searched the PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases from the time these databases were established to April 2022, including studies published in English. The search terms were “randomized controlled trial” [Publication Type] OR “randomized” [Title/Abstract], OR “placebo” [Title/Abstract]) AND ((“Refractive Errors”[MeSH Terms] OR (“error refractive” [Title/Abstract] OR “errors refractive” [Title/Abstract] OR “refractive error” [Title/Abstract] OR “refractive disorders” [Title/Abstract] OR “disorder refractive” [Title/Abstract] OR “disorders refractive” [Title/Abstract] OR “refractive disorder” [Title/Abstract] OR “Ametropia” [Title/Abstract] OR “Ametropias” [Title/Abstract])) AND (“Eyeglasses” [MeSH Terms] OR (“Spectacles” [Title/Abstract] OR “Glasses”[Title/Abstract]) AND (“Adolescent” [MeSH Terms] OR (“Adolescents” [Title/Abstract] OR “Adolescence”[Title/Abstract]) OR “Child”[MeSH Terms] OR “Children”[Title/Abstract])). We only selected studies that were randomized controlled trials. Two researchers independently searched the databases, and 64 articles were retrieved after the initial screening. Two reviewers independently assessed the quality of the collected data.ResultsFourteen articles were eligible for inclusion, and 11 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The overall compliance with spectacle use was 53.11%. There was a statistically significant effect of free spectacles on compliance among children (OR = 2.45; 95% CI = 1.39–4.30). In the subgroup analysis, longer follow-up time was associated with significantly lower reported ORs (6–12 vs. <6 months, OR = 2.30 vs. 3.18). Most studies concluded that sociomorphic factors, RE severity, and other factors contributed to children not wearing glasses at the end of the follow-up.ConclusionThe combination of providing free spectacles along with educational interventions can lead to high levels of compliance among the study participants. Based on this study's findings, we recommend implementing policies that integrate the provision of free spectacles with educational interventions and other measures. In addition, a combination of additional health promotion strategies may be needed to improve the acceptability of refractive services and to encourage the consistent use of eyewear.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=338507, identifier: CRD42022338507.

Compliance with spectacle wear among learners with hearing impairment in Ghana

“…The findings suggest that learners with visual impairments in schools for the deaf have a higher need for visual aids because they rely on optimal vision to function. Visual impairments may affect their academic performance, and providing them with spectacles significantly improves their vision, which can lead to better academic outcomes and quality of life (Kwarteng et al 2024 ; Wu, Feng & Zhang 2023 ). Schools need to prioritise vision screening and the provision of spectacles for learners with hearing impairment not only to improve vision but also to enhance their educational and learning opportunities.…”

Spectacle-wearing compliance and its associated determinants among infants with bilateral corrective refractive errors: An observational study

“…A recent systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated that free spectacles have significant effect on compliance among children and concluded that the combination of providing free spectacles along with educational interventions can lead to high levels of compliance among the study participants. [ 12 ] However, studies on spectacle-wearing compliance in infants with refractive errors complicated by different eye diseases are lacking.…”