Uncorrected visual acuity at baseline significantly associated with consistent eyeglass wear in children
The majority of preschool students consistently wear their glasses at school during their first year of use, with those with poorer uncorrected baseline visual acuity being the most compliant, according to a study in JAMA Ophthalmology.
In this longitudinal cross-sectional study, 188 children between the ages of 3 and 5 years who were prescribed eyeglasses had consistent eyeglass wear compliance, defined as wearing glasses for >50% or every school day, measured by weekly teacher reports.
The majority of students (71%) were compliant throughout the school year, with ranges from 74% to 87%. Uncorrected visual acuity at baseline was significantly associated with consistent eyeglass wear.
“These findings suggest that programs involving school-based screening and eyeglass delivery may lessen disparities in accessing pediatric vision care. Consistent with previous studies, students with poorer uncorrected baseline visual acuity were found to be more likely to wear eyeglasses compliantly,” the authors concluded.
Reference
Sabharwal S, Nakayoshi A, Lees CR, et al. Prevalence and factors associated with eyeglass wear compliance among preschoolers from low-income families in San Francisco, California. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2021. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2020.7053