Overview of infectious-contagious ocular diseases and vision in school-aged children and adolescents in the Xingu region, Pará

Abstract

Objective: To assess the prevalence of infectious eye diseases among children and adolescents in the Xingu region, in the state of Pará, Brazil, and their relationship with school performance and social vulnerability. Methods: This cross-sectional, analytical, and descriptive study was conducted from January to June 2024 with 721 students from public schools in five municipalities in the Xingu region, Pará, Brazil. Individual ophthalmological evaluations included visual acuity tests, external eye and face examination, pupillary reflex assessment, and detection of ocular abnormalities. Visual conditions were correlated with school performance, classified as excellent, good, regular, or insufficient. Results: A high prevalence of visual impairments was observed, with refractive errors, pterygium, trachoma, and ocular toxoplasmosis being the most frequent, all associated with poorer school performance. Socially determined diseases such as trachoma and onchocerciasis were more prevalent in areas with greater socioeconomic vulnerability and limited access to ophthalmologic services. Students with low visual acuity had lower attendance and greater difficulty performing school activities. Conclusion: Ocular diseases has a significant negative impact on school performance and reflect social inequalities in children's eye health. The study emphasizes the need for school-based screenings, early interventions, and expanded access to eye health services in the Xingu region.