Patterns of refractive errors and visual function in school-going children in South Africa

Background: Uncorrected refractive error is the most significant contributor of VI in children and is usually detected through vision screenings or scheduled eye and vision examinations conducted among school children.Aim: To describe patterns of refractive errors (RE), visual function and amblyopia in school-going children.Setting: Mankweng, Polokwane, South Africa.Methods: Retrospective chart reviews were conducted on 837 clinical record cards of children attending selected schools and who were screened between 2019 and 2021 at the University of Limpopo Optometry clinic. Purposive sampling was used to sample the clinical record cards.Results: About 134 children (16%) reported blurred vision, 197 (23.5%) failed distance visual acuity screening, while 173 (20.7%) had RE. Myopia among 168 (9.6%) children was the most common RE, followed by astigmatism and hyperopia at 60 (4.70%) and 28 (4.4%), respectively. Furthermore, 14 (1.7%) children had anisometropia. Amblyopia, colour vision deficiency and contrast sensitivity were also detected at prevalence rates of 4.4%, 9.8% and 8.2%, respectively.Conclusion: Vision screenings and regular comprehensive eye examinations are commonly conducted to detect and manage REs to prevent or delay the onset of amblyopia and strabismus. Children had a high prevalence of RE and amblyopia, which is similar to global estimates.Contribution: To describe the pattern of REs, amblyopia and visual function, which is critical to understand the prevalence of amblyopia and associated conditions. Knowing the patterns of these conditions may provide an impetus for the implementation of strategies such as vision screenings and vision examinations in schools.