Oman Eye Study 2005: prevalence and determinants of glaucoma.

This community-based study was carried out to estimate the prevalence and identify the determinants of glaucoma in the Omani population in 2005-06. Residents of 75 randomly selected houses in 25 clusters participated in the survey. We interviewed and examined 3324 individuals aged > or = 30 years in their homes and in eye clinics to note personal details, glaucoma status and presence of selected risk factors: 180 were diagnosed as having glaucoma. Projected prevalence of glaucoma among the Omani population > or = 30 years was 4.75%. Open angle and angle closure types of glaucoma contributed 40.6% and 37.8% respectively. History of hypertension was negatively, and older age and family history of glaucoma were positively, associated with glaucoma.

Prevalence of refractive error and low vision among schoolchildren in Cairo.

A preliminary survey was conducted to detect the prevalence of refractive error (RE) and low vision among 5839 schoolchildren aged 7-14 years in Cairo, Egypt. Screening was done using Landolt broken ring chart and pinhole test. The prevalence of RE (visual acuity < or = 6/12) among the schoolchildren was 22.1% and low vision (visual acuity < or = 6/18) was 12.5%. The prevalence of low vision was greatest among the preparatory schoolchildren aged 12+ years. RE was higher among the female students than males (21.4% and 13.6% respectively). Development of a national survey for detection of visual problems for both preschool and school-aged children is recommended.