Prevalence of Eye Diseases among Learners in Kafue District, Zambia

Abstract

Objective: To determine the pattern and magnitude of eye diseases among the primary and secondary schools' learners in Kafue District in Zambia.

Method: A cross-sectional survey of all 73 primary and secondary schools in Kafue.

Results: A total of 18,713 enrolled in the study. The prevalence of eye diseases was 20.9% accounting for 17.0% allergic conjunctivitis followed by refractive error 3.3%, and least was retinal disorder at 0.01%. Urban dwellers were affected more than their rural counterparts.

Conclusion: The survey found a high prevalence of eye diseases among the learners in Kafue District with allergic conjunctivitis being the most prevalent cause followed by significant refractive errors.