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Sep 20, 2023Keywords:
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Pattern of childhood refractive errors in Kano, Nigeria
Abstract
Background: The study is a retrospective review of the pattern of refractive errors in children 15 years of age and below in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital from January to December, 2007.
Patients and methods: The clinic refraction register was used to retrieve the case folders of all patients refracted during the review period. Information extracted includes patient's age, sex, and types of refractive error. All patients had basic eye examination (to rule out other causes of subnormal vision) and streak retinoscopy at two third meter working distance. Aphakic patients had EUA and refraction four weeks after surgery. The final refraction given to the patients was used to categorize the type of refractive error.
Results: Childhood refractive errors accounted for 5.3% of clinic attendance and were the cause of presenting to hospital in 29% of children in that age group. The common types of refractive errors are astigmatism 53%, hypermetropia 19%, myopia 19%, and aphakia 5%.
Conclusion: Refractive errors are common cause of presenting in the eye clinic. Identification and correction of refractive errors in children is an integral part of child eye health.
