Ocular morbidity among orphanages.

INTRODUCTION: The study assesses the spectrum of  ocular morbidity  and predictors of  morbidity  in children living in  orphanages  in the Kathmandu Valley. METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was performed at 12  orphanages  over a period of three months. The survey included a questionnaire and a complete eye examination, which included measurement of refraction,  ocular  deviation, and a fundus exam. Prevalence of  ocular morbidity  was calculated. Factors associated with  ocular morbidity  were examined using logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 660 children were included in the study (median age nine years [range 0.25-15]; 53% male). The prevalence of  ocular morbidity was 17.9% (118). Of those with  ocular morbidity , 88.1% (104) had similar  ocular  problems bilaterally. The most common type of  morbidity  was refractive error, found in 70.3% (83) of those with  ocular morbidity  (12.6% overall). CONCLUSIONS: Refractive errors, which are largely correctable, are the greatest source of  morbidity . In order to reduce childhood blindness, children living in  orphanages  are an appropriate group to target for future  ocular  screening in Nepal.