Refractive error scenario in paediatric age group (7-15 years) in Assam: A hospital based study

Abstract

Aim: To study the prevalence of various types of Uncorrected Refractive errors in a paediatric age group (7-15 years) attending a tertiary care centre. Materials and Methods: A hospital based cross sectional study was carried out to evaluate proportion of various types of uncorrected refractive errors in age group of 7–15yrs. in a tertiary eye care centre for a period of 3 months. Total of 4000 children were screened for presence of refractive error after taking informed consent from their parents. Children were then grouped into different types of refractive errors based on the results of cycloplegic refraction. Results: Out 4000 children, the most common age with refractive error was 10-12 years followed by 13-15 years and the commonest refractive error was astigmatism (55%) followed by myopia (34%). The most common presenting symptom was headache followed by visual disturbance. Significant family history was noted among group with prevalence of positive family history in 17% of study group. Discussion & amp, Conclusion: Astigmatism & Myopia is the commonest types of refractive error in children that was consistent with other Indian studies. Study suggests the significance of early school based screen to reduce the burden of childhood ocular morbidity because of uncorrected refractive error. Keywords: Uncorrected refractive error, Childhood blindness, Assam, Scenario.