Refractive errors among school children of Aurangabad city of Maharashtra: A cross-sectional study
Journal Title: Medpulse International Journal of Ophthalmology - Year 2018, Vol 8, Issue 2
Abstract
Background: Refractive errors during school years can have an adverse effect on not only the educational performance but also the overall personality of the child. Identification and proper management of errors of refraction would go a long way in enhancing the quality of life among the school going children. This cross-sectional study was done to assess the refractive errors among school going children of Aurangabad city of Maharashtra. Methods: This cross-sectional study was done at Aurangabad during 2017 -2018. School children between 6 to 15 years of age studying in government schools of the city were included. Sample size was 2000 children. In a well illuminated class room, Snellen’s chart in English and Marathi was used to test distant vision based on student preference. Children who could not read were assessed by E charts and cross verified. The cut-off level of visual acuity to denote failure was fixed at less than or equal to 6/9 in either eye. Children having vision less than or equal to 6/9 were listed separately for refraction evaluation on next visit. Data was entered in Microsoft excel spreadsheet and analysis was done. Chi square test was done to assess statistical significance of study parameters. Results: The study comprised of 2000 students with 1060 males and 940 females. There were 125 children (6.25%) who were found to have refractive errors on ophthalmological examination. Of these 125 children, only 28 (22.4%) were previously known cases whereas 97 (77.6%) were new found cases. The age group of 13 to 15 years had the highest proportion of children with refractive errors among the studied population and the difference was statistically significant. Out of 125 cases with refractive error, 65 (52%) students had myopia, which was the most common refractive error, followed by 56 (44.8%) of astigmatism and only 4 (3.2%) students had hypermetropia. Amblyopia due to uncorrected refractive error (hypermetropia) was seen in 2 children. Conclusions: From study results it can be concluded that there was high number of students with undetected refractive errors among school children. There is a need for screening school students for refractive errors as it can impact their quality of life especially academic performance. Moreover it is an easily correctable disorder. Its early diagnosis and management can help in prevention of more serious visual problems in these promising children.
Authors and Affiliations
Archana A Vare, Amarnath V Awargaonkar, Varsha S Nandedkar, Deepali Bonde, Amruta Jiwane, Sagar Janrao
Keywords
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- EP ID EP460704
- DOI 10.26611/1009828
- Views 109
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