Eye diseases in children in Southern Jordan.

OBJECTIVE

To study the prevalence of refractive errors and certain eye diseases in children in southern Jordan.

METHODS

In the period between May 2001 and April 2002, 1725 patients (6-14 years of age) visiting the Pediatric Clinics in Prince Ali Hospital, Jordan for non ophthalmologic complaints were tested by a pediatrician for their visual acuity (VA) using a Snellen's E-chart. Patients with suspected eye abnormalities and those with VA of < 6/12 were referred for further detailed eye examination.

RESULTS

Twelve patients had bilateral VA of < 6/12, and an additional 5 patients had unilateral VA of < 6/12. Strabismus was seen in 9 patients (0.5%), and amblyopia in 5 patients (0.3%). Vernal keratoconjunctivitis was seen in 26 patients (1.5%).

CONCLUSION

It is important to conduct a large study, perhaps a multicenter study to evaluate the eye diseases in developing countries.