The Prevalence of Eye and Vision Problems among Rural Egyptians Preschooler

Objectives: the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of visual impairment and percent distribution of childhood diseases affecting vision among preschool children (one day to 6 years) in Giza governorates of Egypt as a first step in National survey.

Methods: A population-based survey was conducted on a multistage cluster sampling. Target population was one day to 6 years children living in rural areas of Giza, governorate using systematic random samples based on birth records. The total sample of children includes 4470 preschool children; 2304 males and 2166 females. They are socio-demographically surveyed for their living condition.

Results: The total number of children subjected for ophthalmologic examination, visual assessment, genetic and pediatric examination were 2603 child. About 40% of them were diagnosed to have different eye problems. About 7.4% of examined children were diagnosed to have different genetic problems.

Conclusion: This survey could be considered as the first building block of Egyptian health map by providing a baseline data on childhood blindness helping Egyptian health community direct their health services towards the actual needs present in the community.

Keywords:Prevalence; Preschooler; Eye problems; Rural; Egypt