Author/Authors :
Rushood, A.A. Dammam University - College of Medicine, King Fahd University Hospital - Department of Ophthalmology, Saudi Arabia , Azmat, S. Al-Basar International Foundation - Makkah Eye Complex Makkah Ophthalmic Technical College, Sudan , Shariq, M. Al-Basar International Foundation, Saudi Arabia , Khamis, A. Dammam University - College of Medicine - Department of Family and Community Medicine, Saudi Arabia , Lakho, K.A. Al-Basar International Foundation - Makkah Eye Complex Makkah Ophthalmic Technical College, Sudan , Jadoon, M.Z. Khyber Medical University - Pakistan Institute of Community Ophthalmology, Pakistan , Sial, N. Al-Basar International Foundation - Makkah Eye Complex Makkah Ophthalmic Technical College, Sudan , Kamil, E.A. Al-Basar International Foundation - Makkah Eye Complex Makkah Ophthalmic Technical College, Sudan
Abstract :
From December 2005 to June 2007, a total screening of all 1418 government primary schools in Khartoum State, Sudan, was performed to estimate ocular problems among children aged 6–15 years. We screened 671 119 children (56.7% males) for significant refractive error and other eye ailments. Ocular problems were found in 20 321 (3.03%) children. The 3 localities with highest ocular pathology were Karary (26.2%), Ummbada (21.0%) and Jabal Awlia (15.7%). The overall prevalence of refractive error was 2.19%. Myopia was found in 10 064 (1.50%) children while 4661 (0.70%) were hyperopic. Other ocular problems included vernal keratoconjunctivitis, vitamin A deficiency, microbial conjunctivitis, strabismus and corneal opacity. Only 288 (0.04%) children were diagnosed with active trachoma: 86.5% of these were from Ummbada locality, on the periphery of the State, where transportation facilities are poor and poverty is widespread. Overall, 99% of the eye ailments identified are either treatable or preventable. To reduce these and to achieve the goals of Vision 2020, an effective and efficient school health programme is needed.
