Prevalence of ametropias and anisometropias in elementary school children in schools from 14 cities in the State of Alagoas

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate a prevalence of ametropias and anisometropias in elementar school children from 14 cities in the state of Alagoas. Methods: A retrospective study, total of 40.873 students, between 7 and 15 years of age, were examined. Patients presenting any refractive error were considered ametropic. Only patients claiming eye complaints with spherical errors greater than -0.75D or +2.00D and cylinder error greater than -0.75D were prescribed eyeglasses. Anisometropia was considered when the refractive difference between the two eyes was of 2 diopters or more. Results: 5.2% presented ametropia. Compound myopic astigmatism (28.99%) and compound hyperopic astigmatism (20.39%). And anisometropias was 10.38%. Conclusions: Understanding the prevalence of ametropias and anisometropias among children is essential to implement strategies for the correct diagnosis and treatment of avoidable visual impairment causes.