Prevalence of hyperopia among school children in the Kumasi metropolis, Ghana

Abstract

This descriptive cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of hyperopia in public basic schools in the Kumasi metropolis. A study population of 1,756 was randomly selected from 11 public schools. Data were collected through questionnaire and vision screening involving visual acuity assessment, non cycloplegic refraction and ocular health assessment. Out of the 1,756 pupils that were examined of which 788(44.9%) were boys and 968(55.1%) girls,586 (33.4%)were diagnosed as being hyperopic. Of those with hyperopia, 45.9% and 54.1% were boys and girls respectively. A total of 379 (64.7%) pupils diagnosed as hyperopic had a magni-tude of . +1.00DS while 171(29.2%) had error of magnitude > +1.00DS and . +1.50DS. Thirty-six (6.1%) had errors > +1.50DS. In conclusion the prevalence of hyperopia in public basic schools is very high (33.4%). Primary eye health education is warranted to make parents, teach-ers and pupils aware of the symptoms of the condition so that in cases of decompensation the management of the condition starts early to avert the complications of the error.