Refractive error is a condition where the eye fails to form a clear image on the retina when light enters from infinity and accommodation is relaxed. The major types of refractive error are myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Uncorrected refractive error is a leading cause of blindness worldwide, affecting over 2 billion people with 88.4 million having uncorrected refractive error. Children in urban areas and people over age 50 are most affected. The main reasons for high rates of uncorrected refractive error are lack of vision testing, limited refractive services, and affordability and cultural issues regarding corrective devices. Comprehensive community-level refractive services and school vision testing programs are important strategies to address this major global cause of visual impairment.

1. refractive error
Mikael Girum
Msc in clinical optometry
Lecturer @Hawassa university
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2. Refractive error
Refractive error is a
condition of the eye when
it fails to make perfect
image on the retina when
light comes from infinity
with accommodation is
relaxed
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3. Refractive error
 Myopia
 Hyperopia
 Astigmatism
 Presbyopia
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4. Refractive error
Uncorrected refractive
error is the major cause
of blindness and low
vision in the world
2.2 billion visually
impaired
88.4 million URE
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5. refractive error
Who is most affected by
refractive error?
In children aged under
15, higher prevalence
found in urban areas
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6. refractive error
Who is most affected by
refractive error?
94 million people aged
over 50
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7. refractive error
Why is there so much refractive error?
Lack of vision testing for children
Lack of refractive services
Limited affordability
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8. refractive error
Why is there so much refractive error?
Sometimes spectacles are not regarded as
essential
Cultural disincentives
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9. refractive error
Impact of visual impairment from refractive
error
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10. refractive error
Impact of visual impairment from refractive
error
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12. refractive error
Vision testing
Priority age group:
Children aged 12 – 14 years
Each eye is tested:
If vision <6/12 in either eye
then refer
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13. refractive error
School vision testing program
Recruit science teachers and teachers who wear
spectacles
Teachers must have support of school
authorities
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14. refractive error
In conclusion
Refractive error is the most important cause of
visual impairment and blindness globally
Correction is relatively simple and the
challenges are in access, affordability and
acceptance
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15. refractive error
In conclusion
Comprehensive service delivery at community
level is essential
School vision testing is an important strategy
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