THE PREVALENCE OF MYOPIA AMONG SCHOOL-GOING CHILDREN (6-14 YEARS)

Abstract

Background: Refractive errors are one of the most common causes of visual impairment worldwide. Uncorrected, under corrected and undetected refractive errors among school-going children are the most significant problem in developing countries like India. Schools are the best place for early detection of ocular morbidity. Myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism are the three main types of refractive errors, of which myopia is the most common type in school-going children.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried among school-going. 500 students were selected conveniently. Data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire and analysed using Statistical Package for social sciences (SPSS) software. Descriptive statistics were used and a Chi-square test of significance was applied.

Results: The prevalence of myopia was found to be 12.2%. There is a significant association between the Age & sex and the presence of myopia.

Conclusions: Myopia is the most common refractive errors among school-going children that can be treated with early intervention to prevent irreversible complications

Keywords: Prevalence, Refractive error, Myopia, Risk factors