Advances in Applied Nano-Bio Technologies

Published date: Jun 30 2025

Journal Title: Advances in Applied Nano-Bio Technologies

Issue title: Advances in Applied Nano-Bio Technologies: Volume 6 Issue 2

Pages: 55 - 65

DOI: 10.18502/aanbt.v6i2.18614

Mohamed Bentalebmd.med.bentaleb@gmail.comDepartment of Ophthalmology A, Hospital of Specialties (Ibn Sina University Hospital), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat

Oumar Hamadounhamadounoumar41@gmail.comDepartment of Ophthalmology, Iota Bamako University Hospital

Mariam KambourisFaculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat

Youssef Zaouiyoussefzaoui92@gmail.comDepartment of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat

Aniss Regraguiregraguianiss@gmail.comDepartment of Ophthalmology, International University Hospital of Sheikh Zayed, Rabat

Mohamed Belmekkimbelmekki@gmail.comDepartment of Ophthalmology, International University Hospital of Sheikh Zayed, Rabat

Refractive errors are a major cause of visual impairment in children, affecting their academic performance and quality of life. This descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to assess the epidemiological profile of refractive errors among primary school children in Figuig, Morocco, through a school-based screening program conducted on December 6 and 7, 2024. A total of 1,350 students aged 5 to 14 years were screened using visual acuity tests, non-cycloplegic and cycloplegic refraction with auto-refractometers, and trial lenses for final correction assessment. The results revealed that 176 children (13.0%) had refractive errors, with astigmatism (54.0%) being the most prevalent, followed by myopia (26.7%), hyperopia (16.5%), and anisometropia (2.8%). Myopia prevalence increased significantly with age, whereas hyperopia was more common in younger children. A slight female predominance (52.3%) was observed. These findings emphasize the importance of systematic school-based vision screening programs to ensure early detection and correction of refractive errors, particularly in underserved areas, to prevent long-term visual impairment and improve children’s academic and developmental outcomes.

Keywords: refractive errors, school-based screening, visual impairment, astigmatism, myopia, hyperopia, epidemiology, Morocco

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