OCULAR AFFECTIONS IN 2 TO 8 YEAR- OLD CHILDREN AT PIRACICABA CITY -SP

Abstract

Study model: observacional, retrospective. Objective: to determine the frequence of the ametropic errors and other ocular problems in children with 2 to 8 year-old at Piracicaba – SP.Patients and Method: During the school year of 2000, 1001 children enrolled at the public schools of Piracicaba – SP, age ranged from 2 to 8 years old, were referred to complete ophthalmological exam. Visual acuity was previously determined using Snellen chart, applied by school teachers. Those children presenting visual acuity equal or less than 0,8, visual complaints or visual disorders were selected to appointment to determine the frequence of the ametropic errors and other ocular problems in children with 2 to 8 year-old at Piracicaba –SP. Patients and Method: During the school year of 2000, 1001 children enrolled at the public schools of Piracicaba – SP, age ranged from 2 to 8 years old, were referred to complete ophthalmological exam. Visual acuity was previously determined using Snellen chart, applied by school teachers. Those children presenting visual acuity equal or less than 0,8, visual complaints or visual disorders were selected to appointment. Results: 51 children (5,09%) did not attended to examination. 950 children were submitted to complete ophthalmological exam. Ametropic errors were found 70,84% of the children. The most prevalent refractive errors were Hypermetropic Astigmatism (49,62%) and Hypermetropia (32,98%). Anisometropia was found in 1,78% children. Other ocular disabilities accounted for 10,21% of the examined children, such as strabismus (3,36%), eyelid changes, allergic conjunctivitis, congenital dacryostenosis, optic atrophy, corioretinitis and congenital glaucoma.Conclusion: The frequence of ocular problems observed let us to conclude the screening programs are valid surveys on decreasing rates of preventable blindness in our country.