Sadana Adala, Sri Suma PVN, Ravi Prabhu G
BACKGROUND: The uncorrected refractive errors are the main cause of low vision which hampers performance at school, reduces productivity and impairs quality of life. It is considered to be one of the most important priorities in the global initiation for the elimination of avoidable blindness. The refractive errors are especially common among children as they do not complain and adjust with circumstances. School children constitute an ideal group for study of refractive errors because most of them go to school, easily accessible and offer excellent opportunity for services and health education. MATERIAL & METHODS: This is a cross sectional study conducted among 2,568 children attending various government schools in the rural areas of Chittoor district. The study was carried out during January to June 2015. A preliminary examination of visual acuity was determined by Snellen’s chart and those with defective vision were subjected to detailed eye examination by a specialist. The results were analyzed using MS excel software and Epiinfo 7 software version using percentages and Chisquare test. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of refractive errors among children was found to be 11.3%. (Astigmatism-5.8%; myopia-4.2%; hypermetropia-1.4%). The prevalence of refractive errors increased steadily from 5.7% in 5-7 years age group to 14.7% in 14-16 years group. The prevalence was found to be similar in male and female children. The prevalence of myopia and astigmatism was found to increase steadily with age while hypermetropia showed an inverse trend CONCLUSIONS: Examination of school children for refractive errors is a useful strategy for early diagnosis and intervention.
