Prevalence of refractive error among school-going children of Imphal, Manipur

Abstract

Background: Uncorrected refractive error is the leading cause of eye problem and the second cause of blindness worldwide. Among children aged 5-15 years, 12.8 million are visually impaired because of refractive errors. Objective: To assess the magnitude of refractive error among school-going children of Imphal, Manipur, India, and to determine the association between refractive error and variables such as sex, dietary habits, family history, and daily activities such as watching television and using computers. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among upper primary school students (students of classes six and seven) of Imphal from June 21, 2014 to July 8, 2014. Sample size was calculated to be 267. Cluster sampling method was used to select the study participants. Snellen chart, Roman test type chart, and pinhole were used to detect refractive error. Analysis was done using χ 2-test and Fisher's exact test. P value of <0.05 was taken as significant. Result: Total number of respondents was 302. Prevalence of refractive error was 29.14% and among them only 20.5% were already wearing glasses for correction. Prevalence of refractive error was significantly associated with watching television sitting nearby, using computers, positive family history, problem while reading the blackboard in the class, and problem while watching TV, computer, or playing video games. Conclusion: Students, parents, and teachers must be educated about the early detection of refractive error and correction with spectacles to prevent progression of visual impairment.

Prevalence of Refractive Error Among Early Primary School Age Children in Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area, Nigeria.

“…The prevalence of 30.74% refractive error seen in this study is similar to the result of a study conducted in Western Saudi Arabia among 3-10 years old children which reported a prevalence of 34.9% of uncorrected refractive error among this population (2). Also, this prevalence is comparable to what was reported in Imphal, Manipur India, where the prevalence of 29.14% refractive error among school children was also reported (8). These similarities may be explained by the fact that both studies adopted a similar working de nition for refractive error, that is:…”

A cross-sectional analysis of refractive error prevalence and associated factors among elementary school children in Hawassa, Ethiopia

“… 16 , 21 , 22 In accordance with a previous study, longer durations of reading, use of a computer, playing video games, and watching television were each defined as ≥2 hours per day. 23 Shorter duration of engaging in outdoor activity was defined as any outdoor daily visual activity performed for <1 hour. 11 Positive family history of RE was defined as a history of spectacle wear for RE in any family member.…”

A cross-sectional study on pattern of ocular morbidity and the prevalence of refractive errors among school children of 11 to 16 years in the rural area of Maner, Patna Bihar, India

“…Similar observation reported by more recent studies have demonstrated a positive correlation between the presence of myopia and prolonged work requiring near vision use. [25,26,27,28,29,30] Dixit R. et al did not find any significant association between screen usage and refractive error. [31] In this study it is observed that playing outdoor game is significantly negatively associated with refractive error.…”