Baseline vision results from the Baltimore Reading and Eye Disease Study

Megan E. Collins, Xinxing Guo, Lucy I. Mudie, Robert E. Slavin, Nancy Madden, Dolly Chang, Josephine Owoeye, Michael X. Repka, David S. Friedman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective: We describe the Baltimore Reading and Eye Disease Study, report baseline ocular findings, and explore the feasibility of eye examinations in the school setting. Design: Prospective, school-based cohort study. Participants: Students in second and third grades. Methods: Baseline eye examinations, including near and distance presenting visual acuity (VA), stereopsis, ocular alignment, dilated retinal examination, and cycloplegic refraction, were performed in 12 Baltimore public schools during the 2014–15 school year. Main outcome measures: Presenting VA, prevalence of refractive error, and other ocular findings. Results: Among the 1054 eligible students, 321 participated. There were 271 (84.4%) African American and 186 (57.9%) female students; mean age was 7.9 ± 0.8 years. Cycloplegia was achieved in 308. The mean presenting distance and near VA was 0.1 ± 0.2 logMAR (range −0.1 to 1.5) and 0.1 ± 0.2 logMAR (range 0.0–1.6) in the better-seeing eye, respectively. The most common ocular findings were +1.00 diopter (D) or greater hyperopia (34.7%), −0.50 D or greater myopia (29.5%), 1.00 D or greater astigmatism (23.4%), and convergence insufficiency (7.2%). Thirty-seven (11.5%) children needed referral to an eye care provider; 10% of students required glasses full-time. Conclusions: Whereas the majority of second and third grade students in this study have good VA and minimal refractive error, 1 in 9 have an ocular finding necessitating further evaluation. It was feasible to conduct cycloplegic eye examinations in the school setting.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)29-35
Number of pages7
JournalCanadian Journal of Ophthalmology
Volume57
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2022

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ophthalmology

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