Prevalence Study of Ocular Morbidity among Primary School Children in Delhi Area

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aim To estimate the prevalence of ocular morbidity among primary school children in Delhi area. Materials and methods This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The study was conducted among primary school children of age group 5–12 years in Delhi area. A total of 1,100 school-going children were evaluated. After questionnaire administration, visual acuity, examination of anterior and posterior segment structures of the eyes of the children were carried out. For the statistical analysis, children were divided into three groups: group I (5–7 years), group II (8–10 years), and group III ((<12 years) based on age. Results A total of 1,100 school children (625 boys and 475 girls) participated in the study. A total of 282 (25.6%) children had visual impairment and 315 (28.6%) children had ocular morbidities. The common ocular morbidities identified were refractive error 25.6%, color vision defective 0.9%, convergence defect 1.8%, and squint 0.2%. The older age group (8–10 years) had a higher prevalence of refractive error, especially myopia, compared to the younger age group (5–7 years) and group ((<12 years) (p < 0.001). Conclusion A high prevalence of ocular morbidity among school children of age group 8–10 years was observed. Refractive errors were the most common ocular disorders. This study emphasized that a simple school visual screening program is effective for the early detection of ocular problems. How to cite this article Reddy S, Velamakanni GS, Mogra S. Prevalence Study of Ocular Morbidity among Primary School Children in Delhi Area. J Med Acad 2020;3(2):43–45.