Visual acuity evaluation in children of the elementary school of Curitiba

Abstract

Purpose: Verify the rate of non-detectable low visual acuity (VA) in a public school of Curitiba and evaluate the relation between vision reduced, learning and study condition. Methods: Snellen visual acuity testing was done to all students from first to third grades at a Municipal School of Curitiba. Classroom's length and light intensity were obtained as well as the size of blackboard and books' letters. Academic scores were obtained from all students with VA equal or less than 20/30OU. Results: Of all 242 students, 225 presented VA equal or better than 20/25, and 17 (7.03%) equal or worse than 20/30. One of those 17 students study on the last row of chairs and had a low school performance. The light intensity was within the rules of NBR - 5413. Besides that, the letter of blackboard corresponds to 20/200 in Snellen VA test, and the book's letters corresponds to J3 in Jaeger near VA test. Conclusion: The school presented good conditions and structure for schoolwork. However, learning and good condition of studying could be related. In addition to a screening of VA, schools must be mindful of the conditions necessary for good schoolwork.