Pattern of Ocular Morbidity among Children Referred Ophthalmology Dept. at Mugda Medical College Hospital, Mugda, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract

Introduction: Childhood ophthalmic disorders can seriously impact on development, education, future employment opportunities and quality of life. The consequences are especially severe in low resource settings where resources and education are lacking. Sub-optimal vision can lead to poor academic performance, a lack of interest in school, and even dropping out. Objective: To evaluate the pattern of various ocular morbidities among preschool children. Methodology: This was a cross sectional study conducted among 200 preschool children in the age group between 3 to 6 years at Dept. of Ophthalmology, Mugda Medical College Hospital, Mugda, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2022 to December 2023. We excluded children with some other comorbidities and children who were mentally retarded. Vision was assessed with Snellen's visual acuity charts and Kay Picture chart. Anterior and posterior segment examination was done using a hand-held portable slit lamp and a direct ophthalmoscope respectively. Binocularity was assessed with a cover test at a distance and near targets and the Hirschberg corneal reflex. The refractive status of the eyes was assessed by performing static retinoscopy. All the data was analyzed according to sex, age, causes of visual impairment and types of ocular morbidity. Results: Among the total 200 preschool children screened, 86 children were boys and 114 were girls. The prevalence of ocular morbidity was found to be 20.0%. Refractive error was the most common cause of visual impairment which was seen in 14.5% of children. The overall prevalence of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism was 7.5%, 4.5%, and 2.0% respectively. The other types of ocular morbidities were strabismus in 1.0%, congenital cataract in 1%, conjunctivitis in 1%, chalazion in 10%, vernal kerato conjunctivitis in 1% and congenital ptosis in 0.5%. Conclusion: The relatively high prevalence of refractive error and occurrence of other ocular morbidities in our studied population suggests that there is a need for a large-scale community-based preschool screening program in Bangladesh so that affected preschool children can be identified early and appropriate treatment can be promptly started.