ISSN: 2578-465X
Authors: BRA' Eyatcha Bimingo N* , Foksouna I , Njoya Marea J , Balkissoua D , Dohvomab DA and Al. Bellab
Introduction: Ametropia is one of the main ophthalmological pathologies in children. Uncorrected, they are the leading causeof visual impairment and blindness worldwide. The aim of this study was to describe the profile of ametropia in hospitalizedchildren.Methods: This was a retrospective, analytical study conducted in the ophthalmology department of the Garoua RegionalHospital (HRG) over a 04-year period from January 1,2020 to December 29, 2023. All children aged 6 to 18 diagnosed withametropia after an objective refraction study under cycloplegia were included. Epidemiological, clinical, and therapeuticvariables were studied. Analysis was performed using SPSS 20 software, with a significance level of p < 0.05.Results: Of the 11085 patients consulted during the study period, 5361 children (48.3%) were aged between 6 and 18, ofwhom 2863 (25.8%) had ametropia. The average age was 13.29±3.46 years, with the 16-18 age group the most representedin 33.3% of cases. The predominant sex was female (71%), with a sex ratio of 2.4. Headaches were the most frequent reasonfor consultation, accounting for 30.8% of cases. The most frequent types of ametropia were hypermetropic astigmatism,hyperopia, and myopic astigmatism in 44.1%, 28% and 15.1% respectively. Hyperopic astigmatism was more prevalent infemale children (in 65.0% of female children vs. 35.0% of male children p-value = 0.002). Twenty-five cases (16.7%) hadanisometropia.Conclusion: Ametropia is found in a quarter of children aged 6 to 18 in Garoua hospitals. Raising awareness with a view toearly consultation would enable early detection and treatment of ametropia.
Keywords: Ametropia; Cycloplegia; Astigmatism; Children
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