Abstract :
Background: Refractive error is most common cause of avoidable blindness and affects large proportion
of school students. It has become hurdle for educational lost which leads to long term consequences of
nation’s economic loss. Hence, visual screening of children on commencement of school will help in early
detection of refractive error with better life and empowerment to children in future.
Aim and Objective: To identify magnitude of types of refractive errors, amblyopia and congenital
anomalies in school going children
Material and Methods: 350 referred students aged between 6-17 yrs attending tertiary care hospital were
assessed for V/A of distance, near along with anterior and posterior segment examination to determine
magnitude of refractive error and their data were analyzed by chi- square test.
Results: 350 students were examined at tertiary care centre. 309(88.3%) students were having refractive
error.15 (4.3%) students were detected with media and fundus abnormalities and 10(2.8%) students were
amblyopic.
221 students (63.1%) were Myopic (spherical equivalent of at least -0.50 D in either eye) with male
predominance and 101(45.7%) students as low degree of myopia. 58(16.6%) were Hyperopic ( 2.00 D
or more with 32(55.2%) students falling under 5 yrs age group and 30(8.6%) students were Astigmatic
(cylinder of > or = 0.75 D).
Conclusion: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Refractive error is serious health problem
in school going children and its elimination requires integrated system from regular check up to providing
spectacles and can lessen the low vision burden on society.
Keyword :
Amblyopia, Congenital anomalies, Childhood blindness, Refractive error.