Abstract
Background
Childhood visual impairment is a significant public health concern and contributes substantially to the global burden of blindness. Approximately 1.4 million children worldwide are affected by blindness, with refractive errors being the leading cause of visual impairment among school-aged children. Children living in orphanages may have limited access to healthcare services, including eye care, making them a vulnerable group for undiagnosed ocular conditions. This study aimed to assess the ocular health status of children residing in orphanages in Peshawar, Pakistan.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2024 among 227 children living in three orphanages in Peshawar. Comprehensive ocular examinations were performed, including visual acuity assessment, refractive error evaluation, and anterior and posterior segment examination. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and the Chi-square test was applied to determine the association between ocular morbidity and demographic variables such as age and gender.
Results
Overall ocular morbidity was observed in 26% of the participants, with refractive errors being the most common condition (18%). Myopia was present in 16 children (7.0%), hyperopia in 15 children (6.6%), and astigmatism in 10 children (4.4%). Strabismus and amblyopia were each identified in 2 children (0.9%). Mild visual impairment (visual acuity worse than 6/12) was observed in 37 children (16.3%), moderate visual impairment (worse than 6/18 to 6/60) in 12 children (5.3%), and severe visual impairment (worse than 6/60 to 3/60) in 1 child (0.4%). Other ocular conditions included conjunctivitis (1.8%), blepharitis (1.3%), stye (0.4%), chalazion (0.4%), cataract (0.9%), and retinitis pigmentosa (0.4%). No statistically significant association was found between ocular morbidity and the age or gender of the participants.
Conclusion
Refractive errors were the most common ocular disorder among children living in orphanages in Peshawar. Since refractive errors are largely preventable and correctable, regular vision screening programs in orphanages could play an important role in reducing childhood visual impairment in Pakistan.