Visual acuity and maturation in children from Tres Ombúes neighborhood, schools 276, 148 and Monserrat; years 2008, 2009 and 2010, Montevideo, Uruguay

Abstract

Abstract:

Undiagnosed visual problems are frequent in school age children. A record of visual acuity not reaching the unit may correspond to a morbid fact or to a particular moment in the development of the child's sight. So, it is interesting to know the age when the maturation of the visual process usually finishes. This work describes these facts in a population of school age children. Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of visual acuity and maturation in children from schools 276, 148 and Montserrat, in Tres Ombúes neighborhood, years 2008, 2009 and 2010. Material and Methods: Cross sectional descriptive study of 2088 records of VA (separate eyes) corresponding to 1045 children between 5 and 14 years old. Records were taken using Snellen chart at 5 meters and were distributed according to age and VA reached.  Results: From the 2088 visual records that were analyzed, 76% presented VA 10/10 and 24% presented a lower record. When comparing according to age, we observe that the prevalence of the record VA 10/10 increases up to age 7 reaching 86% and remains between 78 and 87% up to age 14. Conclusions: We can observe that up to age 7, the number of eyes reaching the record 10/10 increases, so we can confirm the hypothesis that children complete the process of visual development and at that age. We find an important number of visual records which do not reach VA 10/10 even after the age when children have usually completed VA development. Recommendations: Carry out systematic VA control of pre-school age children and provide feedback to children's relatives and teachers.