Visual Impairments and Eye Morbidities among School-age Children (5 to 18 Years old) Qualitative Assessment in Dubai, UAE, 2016

Abstract

Refractive errors are common in children and are the commonest cause of visual impairment around the world. As children progress in school, they face increasing demands on their visual abilities. The study aims to assess the extent of visual impairment and ocular morbidity and to identify influencing factors and key challenges for eye vision among school-aged children 5-18 years in Dubai. It is of particular importance to understand their needs and assess any gaps in eye care or services. Data sources are qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative source was from an in-depth interview with school health doctors, focusing on different eye health topics. Quantitative data were derived from the official school health annual reports. Vision problems are common among school-age kids. School health officials said that in one of population-based cross-sectional survey which was undertaken among 266343 students in Dubai, it was shown that there were 1008 cases of visual disorders in 2015-2016 academic years (3.8 per one thousand), whom they were diagnosed by ophthalmologists and enrolled in management program. Refractive errors are the most common cause of vision problems among school-age children in Dubai private schools. The main types of refractive errors are myopia (near sightedness), hyperopia (far sightedness), presbyopia (loss of near vision with age), and astigmatism. There are many environmental and genetics factors play a role in the development of vision disorders in children such as: family history, and premature birth. A number of neurodevelopment disorders (e.g., cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, hearing impairment and speech delay) also are associated with higher rates of vision problems. The most significant preventable risk factor for visual disorders in children is maternal smoking. Children of women who smoked cigarettes during pregnancy have higher rates of strabismus, hyperopic, and astigmatism. The study concluded that visual impairments among school age children is not uncommon, most of the time under estimated and has not been screened systematically. Visual assessments at school level is not efficient enough to tackle visual impairment cases at earlier stages. Services wise, visual impairments at school level are underserved as based on absent of comprehensive and structured visual health program. School Eye health program and services with full component (early detection, management, awareness, monitoring) are of priority to be addressed for students in Dubai schools.