VISUAL IMPAIRMENT IN SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN

Abstract

Many eye disorders develop during childhood but are often not diagnosed early enough, which can negatively impact a child’s academic performance and lead to serious vision problems later in life. This study aims to identify the primary causes of vision impairment in children and emphasize the importance of early intervention.
Methodology: The study is retrospective and includes an analysis of data on children up to 12 years old who were examined at the University Clinic of Ophthalmology in Skopje in 2023. A total of 15,039 children were diagnosed with some form of eye condition during this period.
Results: In 2023, strabismus was identified as the most common cause of vision impairment among the examined children, accounting for 56.9% of cases (8,555 children), followed by refractive errors, which affected 41.6% (6,258 cases). A smaller number of children were diagnosed with infantile and juvenile cataract, representing 0.7% of cases (111 children), and congenital malformations of the lens of the eye, found in 0.5% (69 cases).
Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of targeted screening programs to detect vision impairments early in childhood, as conditions like strabismus and refractive errors account for most cases. Although less common, conditions such as amblyopia and congenital cataracts also require attention due to their potential long-term impact on visual development if left untreated. Implementing timely interventions and improving access to eye care services are essential steps toward enhancing visual health outcomes for children and supporting their academic and social development.