The impact of spectacle correction on the well-being of children with vision impairment due to uncorrected refractive error: a systematic review

Abstract

Background Despite being easily corrected with eyeglasses, over two-thirds of the world’s child population presents with vision impairment (VI) due to uncorrected refractive errors. While systematic reviews have shown that VI can significantly impact children’s depression and anxiety, none have reviewed the existing literature on the association between spectacle correction and well-being. This review aims to address this knowledge gap. Main outcome measures The main outcome measures were i) cognitive and education well-being which included mathematics and english literacy, reading fluency, school function, academic performance and grades; ii) psychological and mental health well-being which included physical anxiety, learning anxiety and mental health test scores and iii) quality of life. Methods We searched eight databases for articles published between 1999 to 2021 that assessed the associations between spectacle correction and children’s (0 to 18 years) well-being. There were no restrictions on language or geographic location. Two reviewers independently screened all publications using validated quality checklists. The findings of the review were analysed using narrative synthesis. [PROSPERO CRD42020196847]. Results Of 692 records found in the databases, six randomised control trials, one cohort, one cross-sectional and one qualitative study (N = 9, 1.3%) were eligible for analysis. Data were collected from 25 522 children, 20 parents and 25 teachers across the nine studies. Seven were rated as good quality (67 to 100% of quality criteria fulfilled), and two were satisfactory (33 to 66% of quality criteria fulfilled). Spectacle correction was found to improve children’s educational well-being (n = 4 very strong evidence; n = 2 strong evidence), quality of life (n = 1, very strong evidence) and decrease anxiety and increase mental health scores (n = 1, strong evidence). Conclusion Evidence suggests that spectacle correction improves children’s cognitive and educational well-being, psychological well-being, mental health, and quality of life. More research is needed, given the paucity of published literature and the focus on only three aspects of well-being.

Features of quality of life formation in children with visual impairments

“…У зв'язку зі збільшенням поширеності хвороб ока в дитячого населення в усьому світі, значної актуальності набуває організація своєчасного виявлення та корекції порушень зору. Відомо, що невчасно вжиті ці заходи впливають на якість життя дітей, спричиняючи виникнення дитячої депресії, тривоги, різних когнітивних розладів [14,15,16].…”

Detection of significant vision conditions in children using QuickSee wavefront autorefractor

“…8,9 Correction of significant refractive error may allow for better overall performance in school. 5,[12][13][14][15][16] Effective vision screening procedures must identify high proportions of correct referrals and non-referrals. Instrument-based vision screening (autorefraction or photorefraction) has been utilised for screening school-aged children.…”

UCI EyeMobile Exam Findings from School Children Following on-Site Screening

“…Uncorrected REs can contribute to poor academic performance and reduced quality of life. 5 REs can also contribute the risk of amblyopia, a well-known cause of preventable lifelong vision loss in children. 6 In the US, the rate of amblyopia is roughly 2% in children under 6 years old.…”