Vision screening of abused and neglected children by the UCLA Mobile Eye Clinic.

Abstract

Background: The purpose of our study was to present descriptive findings of ocular abnormalities in vision screening examinations of abused and neglected children. We compared the prevalence and the nature of eye diseases and refractive error between abused and neglected boys staying at the Hathaway Home, a residential facility for abused children, and boys from neighboring Boys and Girls clubs.

Methods: The children in the study received vision screening examinations through the UCLA Mobile Eye Clinic following a standard format. Clinical data were analyzed by chi-square test.

Results: The children with a history of abuse demonstrated significantly higher prevalence of myopia, astigmatism, and external eye disorders.

Conclusions: Our study suggests that children with a history of abuse may be at higher risk for visual impairment. These visual impairments may be the long-term sequelae of child abuse.