ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Vision is one of the senses that most integrates the individual with the environment, since it captures most of the sensory stimuli to which the human being is exposed, and it is precisely this integration that allows the creation of memories and the formation of the knowledge. Low vision in childhood impairs learning, socialization, and also determines visual quality in adulthood.

Objective:

to identify the visual acuity of school children using the Snellen Test and refer and carry out actions with those with low vision.

Methods:

Cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach. The Snellen Table was used to determine the visual acuity of students in the 1st year of elementary school in the state education network.

Results:

Participants are aged 5-7 years, 40 females and 38 males. Of these, 23 had low visual acuity and were referred to an ophthalmological consultation.

Conclusion:

Based on the results of the present study, the application of the Snellen Test is suggested, as it is an easy-to-train, low-cost screening test, so that it become useful in promoting eye health. Continuing studies like this one are important and target sensitivity and specificity, with a focus on schoolchildren.

Keywords:
Visual acuity; Child development; Eye health; Child