Prevalence of Refractive Error and Other Eye Diseases in Schoolchildren in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana

PURPOSE To determine the prevalence of refractive error and other eye diseases in school­children in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. METHODS Research assistants tested visual acuity (VA) using a Snellen chart in students randomly selected from 24 schools (ie, 8 metropolitan, 8 urban, and 8 rural). An ophthalmologist examined students with VA of 6/12 or worse in either eye and students with other eye problems. RESULTS Nine hundred fifty-seven students aged 6 to 22 years were screened: 67 had myopia with VA of 6/12 or worse in the better eye, 3 were unilaterally blind (2 from squint or amblyopia, 1 from a hypoplastic disk), and 4 had unilateral low vision from macular scars. Other eye diseases observed were congenital glaucoma (1), vernal conjunctivitis (2), and infective conjunctivitis (6). The prevalence of refractive error reducing vision to at least 6/12 was 7.0%. The prevalence of squint and amblyopia was 0.2%. CONCLUSION The most common eye defect in the students was refractive error. Squint and amblyopia were rare. <cite>J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus</cite> 2007;44:294-297. AUTHORS Dr. Ntim-Amponsah is from the Ophthalmology Unit, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana. Dr. Ofosu-Amaah is from the School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana. Originally submitted January 31, 2006. Accepted for publication March 20, 2006. Address correspondence to C. T. Ntim-Amponsah, Ophthalmology Unit, University of Ghana Medical School, P.O. Box GP 4236, Accra, Ghana. Supported by the School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.