Ocular disorders amongst school going Sudanese children

1. Lakho Khalil A MSc
2. Al-Rushood A MD,
3. Shah Azmat, MSc,
4. Masood Shariq MSc ,
5. Prof. Sial N, MS.

1,3, 5. Makkah Eye Complex, Al-Basar Intl. Foundation, Khartoum, Sudan
2, 4, Al-Basar Int;l Foundation, KSA

Objective: To estimate the ocular problems in school going children aged 6 – 15 years, in Khartoum state, Sudan

Design: It is total coverage type of a survey/ cross sectional study.
Participants: The study was conducted in 1418 governmental basic schools in Khartoum State; the capital between June and December 2005. Basic schools are present in all areas in Khartoum State; which is the main reason of migration of families to immigration from other States to Khartoum.

Methods: Refractive error, age, gender, urban verses rural residence, presenting and best-corrected vision were recorded for participants. Visual Acuity of each eye was assessed using Snellen's E chart method at 6 meters; external ocular examination was done with torch, while fundus was examined with Direct Ophthalmoscope. The team included a Community Ophthalmologist, an Optometrist, an Ophthalmic Technician and a Community Social worker. Structured questionnaire was prepared and operational methods were field tested and refined by piloting at the outpatient of Makkah Eye Complex. Ophthalmologist examined the children for any abnormality and refracted children with VA < 6/12. All schools of the target area were visited.

Results: 671119 School children from age 6 – 15 were screened for significant refractive errors and other eye ailments. The prevalence of refractive errors in this study was 2.19%. Myopia was 1.5% and hyperopia was 0.67%.