Common eye diseases in children of rural community in Goro district, Central Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract
Background: Very few reports exist regarding the causes of ocular morbidity in children of rural community in
Ethiopia.
Objective: To identify the causes of ocular morbidity in children of rural community.
Method: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2003 and February 2003 to
identify common eye diseases in children. A cluster sample of village were randomly taken from 7-peasant association
in Goro district, Southwest Ethiopia. All children (<15 years) in the selected villages were registered and their eyes
examined. Visual acuity was also taken for children older than 5 years.
Result: The study included 826 children, 438 (53%) males and 388 (47%) females, whose age range from birth to 15
years. One or more ocular disease was detected in 55% (CI: 52,58) of children examined. Trachoma was found to be
the leading cause of ocular morbidity 33.7% (CI: 32.2, 35.2) followed by refractive error 6.3% (CI: 6.0, 6.6) and non-
trachomatous conjunctivitis 5.9% (CI: 5.5, 6.3). Refractive error was the leading cause of subnormal and low vision
among children aged 6 to 15 years.
Conclusion: Provision of health education and primary eye care as well as the implementation of the SAFE strategy
by trained local health personnel will prevent and alleviate the common causes of ocular morbidity in children of this
community. [Ethiop.J.Health Dev. 2005;19(2):148-152]