Refractive Errors among Northern Border University Medical Students

Abstract

Background: Uncorrected refractive error is the most common cause of vision impairment worldwide, and the WHO identified uncorrected refractive error as one of the priorities for the program of Vision 2020. Aim: Aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of refractive errors (REs) among medical students of Northern Border University. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 167 students. A structured close-ended questionnaire was distributed for data collection and checking REs amongst them in the period between December 2017 and January 2018. All volunteering participants underwent ophthalmic examination including autorefractometer examination. Results: Our study showed that 67.1% of participants suffered from REs. 53.9% had myopia, 6.6% hyperopia and 6.6% had astigmatism. 47.9% of cases of refractive errors have myopia, 5.4% hyperopia, 1.8% astigmatism, 4.2% have both myopia and astigmatism, 0.6% have both hyperopia and a stigmatism, 0.6% have all myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Both eyes were affected in 46.7% of cases, left eye was affected in 6.6% and right eye was affected in 7.2% of cases. Conclusion: the prevalence of REs among investigated students was 67.1%, which is one of the highest rates reported. There has to be a concern for a regular checkup starting from early ages as a preventive measure against REs through increasing knowledge, concerning REs particular for medical students as future health care professionals.