Epidemiologic study of hyperopia in schoolchildren in Tunisia

• Published in: Tunisie Medicale Vol. 92; no. 12; p. 727
• Main Authors: Chebil, Ahmed, Jeddidi, Lina, Chaker, Nibrass, Kort, Fedra, Bouladi, Mejda, Largueche, Leila, Limaiem, Rym, Mghaieth, Fatma, El Matri, Leila
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: French
• Published: Tunisia 01-12-2014
• Subjects: Adolescent; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Hyperopia - epidemiology; Male; Prevalence; Schools - statistics & numerical data; Students - statistics & numerical data; Tunisia - epidemiology; Tunisia
• ISSN: 0041-4131

To study the epidemiological profile and the degree of severity of hyperopia in Tunisia primary school and to assess its effect on school performance.
A cross-sectional, descriptive survey was conducted among 6-14 aged Tunisian children attending primary urban and rural schools. A total of 6192 children were selected using stratified random cluster sampling. Cycloplegic refractive error was measured among all children with uncorrected visual acuity less than 9/10 or signs of astheniopia. Hyperopia was defined as spherical equivalent (SE) 2.0 diopters (D). We have also searched a possible relation between degree of severity of hyperopia and school performance.
The prevalence of hyperopia was 2.61%. The spherical equivalent mean was + 3.73 ± 0.94 D. The mean age was 9.67 ± 0.44 years. This prevalence was 2.77% in boys and 2.47% in girls. 3.13% of students were living in urban areas and 1.42% in rural areas. The hyperopia rate decreased significantly with age (p = 0.021), but it was not significantly related to gender (p=0.54). The difference in the prevalence of hyperopia between urban and rural areas was not statistically significant (p = 0.067). There was no significant association between the degree of severity of hyperopia and school performance (p=0.41).
In our study, the prevalence of hyperopia among schoolage children in Tunisia was 2.61%.The identification of this refractive error and its correction as soon as possible would ensure these children better visual comfort and a better education.