Prevalence Of Refractive Errors Research Articles

Evaluation of visual acuity in drivers as studied in Kolar district

To assess the visual acuity, identify the cause for reduced vision & to advice patients regarding correction of vision in drivers for safe driving. Analysis of a cross-sectional study of people having a history of driving — two-wheeler, four-wheeler or autorickshaw was done. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) less than 6/6 in the better eye were selected for the study through screening camps for KSRTC bus drivers, Autorickshaw drivers and patients coming to the OPD of R L Jalappa Hospital & Research Center in Kolar district, having a history of driving a two-wheeler, four-wheeler & autorickshaw were included. Patients who have stopped driving due to reduced vision were excluded from the study. After taking an informed consent, patients underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination. Those patients who were identified as having decreased vision were advised regarding the necessary treatment. Out of 706 patients, 87.99 % of drivers in this study were males and majority belonged to the age group between 20-30 years. 29.17 % of patients did not have driving license though they were driving either 2 or four-wheeler vehicles or Autorickshaws. 41% of patients did not have any eye checkup prior to our examination and after our examination was done 58.9% of patients were advised spectacle correction. This highlights the need for intensified health education to encourage drivers who experience these defects to seek prompt medical help and advice. The prevalence of refractive errors among the study population also indicates the need to enforce the law on comprehensive eye examination by appropriate professionals, as enshrined in the law, rather than just measuring visual acuity prior to acquiring or renewing drivers’ licenses, as is currently the case. Keywords: Best corrected visual acuity; drivers; reduced vision; RTA

Baseline vision results from the Baltimore Reading and Eye Disease Study

ObjectiveWe describe the Baltimore Reading and Eye Disease Study, report baseline ocular findings, and explore the feasibility of eye examinations in the school setting. DesignProspective, school-based cohort study. ParticipantsStudents in second and third grades. MethodsBaseline eye examinations, including near and distance presenting visual acuity (VA), stereopsis, ocular alignment, dilated retinal examination, and cycloplegic refraction, were performed in 12 Baltimore public schools during the 2014–15 school year. Main outcome measuresPresenting VA, prevalence of refractive error, and other ocular findings. ResultsAmong the 1054 eligible students, 321 participated. There were 271 (84.4%) African American and 186 (57.9%) female students; mean age was 7.9 ± 0.8 years. Cycloplegia was achieved in 308. The mean presenting distance and near VA was 0.1 ± 0.2 logMAR (range −0.1 to 1.5) and 0.1 ± 0.2 logMAR (range 0.0–1.6) in the better-seeing eye, respectively. The most common ocular findings were +1.00 diopter (D) or greater hyperopia (34.7%), −0.50 D or greater myopia (29.5%), 1.00 D or greater astigmatism (23.4%), and convergence insufficiency (7.2%). Thirty-seven (11.5%) children needed referral to an eye care provider; 10% of students required glasses full-time. ConclusionsWhereas the majority of second and third grade students in this study have good VA and minimal refractive error, 1 in 9 have an ocular finding necessitating further evaluation. It was feasible to conduct cycloplegic eye examinations in the school setting.

Pattern of Refractive Errors and Strabismus in Children

Refractive errors(RE) is an optical defect that reduces the ordinary imaginative and prescient and is a prime contributor to visual impairment, especially among school youngsters, and most of the time it remains undiagnosed for lengthy intervals leading to visionary disabilities in children. Other condition is strabismus that is when eyes do not pair as depicting misalignment, it seems as if the two eyes are not fixating on the identical region on the equal time.
 Objectives: To determine the pattern of refractive errors & strabismus in children.
 Methods: 1889 patients were observed, children of age ranging from 1 month to 14 years in Ophthalmology department of Arif Memorial Teaching Hospital, Lahore between the year 2018 to 2019. A self-structure Performa was utilized to gather information. Ocular misalignment was evaluated by cover test and the Hirschberg light reflex. The data was analyzed by SPSS 24.0 (SPSS Inc, Chicago,USA).
 Results: Total 1889 children examined, 18.7% were less than 1 year, 54.7% were between 1 to 4 years, and 26.6%were 4 to 14 years. In those children prevalence of Refractive error was 37.6% in which 18.8% had hypermetropia, 11.2% had astigmatism and 7.6% had myopia. In the data of 1889 patients, 18.7% were less than 1 year in which 79 had strabismus out of which 11.6% are alternating exotropia, 5.4% are alternating exotropia, 4.0% are exotropia, and 1.4% were exotropia. While 54.68% patients were between 1 to 4 years, in which 29.7% had squint. 26.57% patients were between 4 to 14 years, 157 had strabismus. In those patients 13.9% were alternating exotropia, 8.2% were exotropia, 7.4% were alternating exotropia, and 1.8% were exotropia.
 Conclusions: Hypermetropia appears significantly general in the children of age that is less than 1 year. While in strabismus, alternating esotropia is more commonplace in our study, but it does not suggests any significance with age.

Prevalence of refractive errors and visual impairment in school children in Enugu South-East Nigeria.

To determine the prevalence of refractive errors and causes of visual impairment in school children in Enugu State, South-eastern Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional, school-based survey in children aged 5-15 years from selected primary and junior secondary schools (public and private) in both urban and rural communities of Enugu State was carried out. Ocular examinations were performed on them according to the Refractive Error in School-age Children (RESC) protocol. A total of 1167 children were examined. The mean age (standard deviation) was 10.58 ± 3.0 years. Females were 653 (54.4%) of the study population. The uncorrected, presenting and best-corrected visual acuity of ≤20/40 (6/12) in the better eye of the children in this study were 3.6%. 3.5% and 0.4%. Among the children that had visual impairment, refractive error accounted for 33.3% of reduced vision while the overall prevalence of refractive error was 2.1%. Prevalence of myopia was 1.9% and hyperopia, 0.1%. The most prevalent astigmatism was ≤0.75 dioptre cylinder. The prevalence of refractive error in this study is low, with myopia being more common. Despite the low prevalence of refractive error, school vision screening is still important for African children as it serves as an opportunity to identify other ocular morbidities among the children.

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

ObjectiveThis study assessed the prevalence of refractive error (RE) and its associated factors among elementary school children in Hawassa, Ethiopia.MethodsIn this school-based cross-sectional study, a random selection technique with proportional allocation was used to ensure a representative sample of students. Survey questionnaires were used to collect sociodemographic, environmental, and family history data. Clinical examinations were performed to assess RE and ocular health. Associations between dependent and independent variables were computed using adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsOverall, 529 children participated in this study, with a response rate of 95.5% (529/554). Most participants were aged ≥12 years (337 [63.7%]), in grade levels 5 to 8 (307 [58%]), and attended public schools (366 [69.2%]). RE prevalence was 12.9% (95% CI: 10.0–16.1). Higher grade level (AOR=3.18, 95% CI: 1.68–5.97), positive family history of RE (AOR=3.69, 95% CI: 1.57–8.67), lack of paternal formal education (AOR=3.25, 95% CI: 1.20–8.77), and public school attendance (AOR=3.33, 95% CI: 1.52–7.27) were factors significantly associated with RE.ConclusionsRE prevalence among elementary school children in Hawassa was higher than in previous reports. Grade level, family history, paternal education level, and school type significantly influenced RE status.

Determinants of Early Refractive Error on School-Going Children (10-12 Years) in Dhaka City, Bangladesh

Background: Refractive Error is a common health issues among young school-aged children in Bangladesh.Present study focused on determinants of refractive error among school-going children (class II-V) and theassociated factors.Method: Data were collected from 200 school-going children and their parents in a cross-sectional studyusing purposive sampling from Cambrian School, Dhaka city. A semi-structured questionnaire wasadministered to collect socio-demographic, behavioral and clinical information related to prevalence ofrefractive error at this age of children.Results: Study revealed that, among 200 participants, 54.5% children had refractive error and the youngera child is, the more there was possibility of having this issue. A positive association was found betweenmeal intake, duration of using computer games or watching television and genetic factor (parents’ wearingspectacles) with the occurrence of having this error in children (p<0.05).Conclusion: Findings of this study revealed, unhealthy life-styles and physical inactivity at this age maylead to refractive error among school aged children and early detection with medical advice as well as lifestyle modification might play a significant role not only in improving children’s learning ability but also inreducing the incidence of refractive error in this age group in Bangladesh.

Establishing a school-based vision screening program in Myanmar: a qualitative study on the perspectives of school children with refractive error, teachers, optometrists and ophthalmologists

Background: Refractive error (RE) is one of the global leading causes of vision impairment among children. The World Health Organization outlined the school-based vision care program aided by school teachers as one solution. In Myanmar, although the prevalence of RE among school children is expected at about two million, a regular eye check-up program has not been established. This study aimed to explore the barriers, feasibility, and limitations of the children with RE and service providers to establish a program.Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in eight public schools,that have been involved in the pilot school-based vision screening program, in Yangon. Focus group discussions with school children and teachers from these schools, key informant interviews with optometrists and ophthalmologists, involved in the program, and working at Yangon Eye Hospital and North Okala General Hospital, were carried out from January to August 2020. Qualitative data analysis was manually performed using the grounded theory according to the pre-defined themes.Results: Almost all school children showed positive perspectives but they expressed their psychosocial barriers of the cost, time, and care given by their parents on the next vision examination. All teachers mentioned optimism to be volunteers. The optometrist and ophthalmologists revealed the feasibility to establish the program despite having limitations in human resources, logistic requirements, and low awareness level on visual impairment of the children by parents.Conclusions: This study highlighted that a school-based vision care program can be initiated in Myanmar despite having some barriers and limitations.

Refractive error and its associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care unit at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.

Refractive error is one of the commonly encountered problems during pregnancy and being the cause of deleterious effects on health. Despite its impacts, there is no evidence on the magnitude and associated factors of refractive error among pregnant women in Ethiopia. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of refractive error and its associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care unit at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020. An institution-based cross-sectional study was employed. An ocular examination was performed using Retinoscope and Snellen's illiterate "E" chart. The required data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire which comprised socio-demographic, clinical and pregnancy-related variables. EpiData 3.02 and STATA 14 were used for data entry and analysis respectively. Both bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were executed to identify factors associated with refractive error. Variables with a p-value ≤ 0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression analysis were declared as significantly associated factors with refractive error. A total of 401 pregnant women with a median age of 27 (IQR = 24-31) years participated in this study. The overall prevalence of refractive error among the study participants was 35.66% (95% CI: 30.95-40.37). Of the total study participants, ninety-two (22.90%) of them were myopic, forty-five (11.22%) were hyperopic and the rest were antimetropic. Increased maternal age (AOR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.16-1.48)), increased parity (AOR = 3.17, 95% CI: 1.92-5.25), increased gestational age (AOR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.08-1.22), and regular use of computers/ watching television (AOR = 6.19, 95% CI: 2.46-15.59) were significantly associated with refractive error. The prevalence of refractive error among pregnant women was high where myopia was the most common variety. Advanced maternal age, increased gestational age, increased parity and regular use of computer or watching television were significantly associated with refractive error among pregnant women. Therefore, apart from providing other maternal health services, routine screening and evaluation of pregnant women for refractive error during antenatal care visit is recommended to avoid its negative impacts.

Ametropia and Emmetropization in CNGB3 Achromatopsia.

PurposeEmmetropization is the process of adjusting ocular growth to the focal plane in order to achieve a clear image. Chromatic light may be involved as a cue to guide this process. Achromats are color blind and lack normal cone function; they are often described as being hyperopic, indicating a failure to emmetropize. We aim to describe the refraction and refractive development in a population of genetically characterized achromats.MethodsRefractive error data were collected retrospectively from 28 medical records of CNGB3 c.1148delC homozygous achromats. The distribution of spherical equivalent refractive error (SER) and spherical error was analyzed in adults. The refractive development in children was analyzed by documenting astigmatic refractive error and calculating median SER in 1-year age groups and by analyzing the individual development when possible.ResultsThe distribution of SER and spherical error resembled a Gaussian distribution, indicating that emmetropization was disturbed in achromats, but we found indication of some decrease in SER during the first years of childhood. The prevalence of refractive errors was high and broadly distributed. Astigmatic refractive errors were frequent but did not seem to increase with age.ConclusionsRefractive development in achromats is more complicated than a complete failure to emmetropize. The spread of refractive errors is larger than previously documented. Results presented here support the theory that chromatic cues and cone photoreceptors may play a role in emmetropization in humans but that it is not essential.

Refraction and its development in young adults born prematurely and screened for retinopathy of prematurity.

To evaluate refraction and its development in young adults born prematurely, screened for retinopathy of prematurity, and to compare with individuals of the same age born at term. The participants were 59 preterms, with a birthweight of ≤ 1500 g, and 43 term-born controls, all born during 1988-1990. The refraction was measured in cycloplegia, and the spherical equivalent (SE) was calculated. The axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth and corneal radius (CR) were measured, and the AL/CR ratio was calculated. The mean SE was -0.5 dioptres (D) (SD 2.5) in right eyes (REs) and -0.4 D (SD 2.3) in left eyes (LEs) of preterms, and -0.2 D (SD 1.5) in REs and -0.2 D (SD 1.5) in LEs of controls. The distribution of refraction was wider in the preterm group compared to the control group. In the preterm group, 12% had a SE ≥ 1.5 D, but none of the controls. Ten preterms, but none of the controls, had anisometropia ≥ 1.0 D. The prevalence of astigmatism ≥ 1.0 D was higher in preterms than controls. The SE decreased around 1 D in both preterms and controls from 10 to 25 years of age. The AL and CR were shorter in the preterms; however, the AL/CR ratio was similar in both groups. Within the preterm group, cryotherapy was correlated with astigmatism, but not with SE and anisometropia at this age. Prematurely born individuals had higher prevalence of refractive errors in young adulthood compared to term-born controls.

Refractive errors and spectacle compliance among truckers in India

Introduction: Reliable data on eye health among Indian truckers are scanty. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of refractive errors and the subsequent long-term spectacle compliance and suggest appropriate strategies to improve these in this population.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2017 and March 2018 among truckers. Gross ophthalmologic examination was performed, including visual acuity and refraction. Six months to one-year post provision of spectacles, follow-up with truckers was undertaken to understand the spectacle usage patterns and its compliance. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were conducted to assess the association between the type of refractive errors, spectacle compliance, and select sociodemographic and clinical variables.Results: A total of 709 (78.8%) truckers completed interviews and gross eye examination. The prevalence of any refractive errors in the worst eye was 45.8% (95% CI 42.1%–49.6%). The prevalence of presbyopia with or without distance vision was 33% (95% CI 29.6%–36.6%) and myopia with or without astigmatism was 10% (95% CI 7.9%–12.5%). Among those who were prescribed spectacles, 27.1% needed distance correction, 33.8% needed near correction, and 39.1% needed both, at least in one eye. Long-term spectacle compliance was at 54.7%. The predominant barriers for spectacle compliance were “did not collect” (63.9%), followed by “discomfort” (20.8%).Conclusion: The prevalence of uncorrected refractive errors was high among truckers. Long-term spectacles compliance was moderate. There is an urgent need for tailor-made targeted interventions to address the eye health needs of truckers in India.

Status of eye health among tribal school children in South India.

Purpose:Global trends show a high prevalence of refractive errors among children. The prevalence of vision impairment due to uncorrected refractive errors among school children is increasing and the need for management of other ocular conditions is also reported. This study presents the status of eye health and pattern of daily activities among the school children of a tribal location in Tamil Nadu, South India.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in 13 schools of Karumandurai cluster, Salem district in Tamil Nadu, India. A three-phased comprehensive school screening protocol was conducted to understand the prevalence of vision impairment, refractive error, and other ocular conditions along with a survey about the daily activities of the children at school and home.Results:Among the 3655 children screened, the prevalence of vision impairment was found to be 0.62% (n = 23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.42–0.94) and prevalence of refractive error was 0.30% (n = 11, 95%CI 0.17–0.54), among which 0.11% (n = 4) were already wearing spectacles. A total of 44 children (1.20%; 95%CI 0.90–1.61) were found to have other ocular problems and among them, 14 (0.38%) had visual acuity less than 20/30 (6/9). Almost 84% of children required surgical or specialty eye care services. Vision impairment was more in children with other ocular conditions compared to refractive errors (P < 0.001).Conclusion:The prevalence of vision impairment and refractive errors in this tribal area was less. Ocular conditions were more prevalent than refractive errors in this tribal region with the majority of children needing specialty or surgical eye care services. This implies the need for access to secondary or tertiary eye care centers.

The prevalence and predictors of refractive error among school children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

PURPOSE:Refractive error (RE) is one of the most common ocular disorders among children worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of RE and possible risk factors among school children in Riyadh.METHODS:This is a cross-sectional study using data collected at various schools. To achieve the aim of the study, we selected a random sample of 850 school children aged 6–15 years. The examination was based on the RESC protocol and included full visual assessment. Furthermore, a questionnaire was sent to the parents of the participants to ascertain information about lifestyle factors. We constructed a logistic regression model to evaluate the predictors of RE.RESULTS:Close to a third of the children had a RE. Of those identified as having the condition, 60% did not wear glasses (newly diagnosed). Nearly all the children (95.4%) in our sample reported using electronic devices, according to parents. No association was found between using electronic devices and having a RE (P = 0.26). Doing outdoor activities was associated with 52% lower odds of a RE (odds ratio = 1.52).CONCLUSION:We found a higher prevalence of uncorrected RE than previously reported in other Saudi studies. About 60% of children who had RE were not wearing glasses, highlighting the need for a standardized school screening program for early detection and management. Outdoor activities were associated with a lower likelihood of having a RE. These findings might support initiatives to encourage outdoor activities among school children.

Prevalence of refractive errors among the school-going children in East Sikkim.

Purpose:Vision plays an important role in child's development for learning and communication. Uncorrected refractive error (URE) has become a major challenge to health care policy makers especially in school going children. We aim to report the prevalence of refractive error among the school students of the east district of Sikkim, India.Methods:A cross-sectional study was carried out among 15,954 school children under school health program of national program for control of blindness. The screening was conducted in 40 schools of east district which included primary, higher secondary, monastic and private schools.Results:The prevalence of refractive error was 6.7% among which myopia was the most common error present in 335 (31.1%) children, followed by astigmatism in 317 (29.4%) and the remaining 29 (2.6%) with hyperopia. The age group between 14-17 years had high prevalence of refractive error (9.2%). Females had slightly higher refractive error (6.93%) than males (5.9 %). Most backward classes were found to be highest suffering from refractive error (26.65%) and the least seen was found in schedule tribe (11.6%).Conclusion:The study provides a useful and baseline data about the refractive error amongst the school children of east Sikkim. A larger study needs to be conducted in all the schools of the state to get a clearer picture of RE and other eye related diseases to detect vision problem as early as possible.

Induced Myopia among Readymade Garment (RGM) Workers

Background: To determine the induced refractive error among the readymade garment workers. Those who are working in the knitting section and those who are working other than the knitting and computer section. Methods: It was a prospective cross-sectional analytic study among 600 workers in 2 factories at Joydevpur, Gazipur, Bangladesh on January 2020. Group: A comprises 300 workers who were working at knitting section for a minimum of six hours a day and 5 days a week. Group: B comprises another 300 workers who were appointed for loading-unloading, care-taker, driver and security guard also. Prevalence of refractive error in two groups was compared. Results: The mean age of participants in group: A was 26.61 ± 4.99 (CI 95%, 26.04 ± 27.18) and in group: B was 28.51 ± 5.69 (95% CI 27.86 ± 29.15). Prevalence of refractive error between two groups was 52 and 28.3 respectively. The chi-square statistic is 44.9775. The p-value is <0.00001. Significant at p < 0.05. Strong positive correlation shows in Pearson’s correlation between time duration of knitting and refractive error (R is: 0.7619). Visual acuity between two groups chi-square statistic is 33.1866. The p-value is <0.00001. Significant at p < 0.05. Conclusion: Knitting workers at readymade garment (RGM) are more prone to develop late onset myopia than other workers in the same premises.

Prevalence and determinants of refractive status and related ocular morbidity among Indian school children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

PURPOSE:We present the magnitude and determinants of refractive status of Indian school children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.METHODS:This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017–18 at a preparatory and secondary Indian school in Riyadh. A “Spot Screener” was used to determine if the child passed or failed a refraction test. Data were collected on refractive status in each eye, amblyopia, and strabismus. The type of refractive error (RE) was estimated and association to the gender, age group, and higher education was analyzed.RESULTS:We examined 770 students. The prevalence of RE in Indian school children was 50.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 51.3; 58.3). There were 51.1% of boys and 49.3% of girls. The prevalence of RE in preparatory and secondary grade students was 47.9% and 56.8%, respectively. The proportion of myopia and hyperopia among children with RE was 48% and 5%, respectively. Family history of RE was positively associated to RE in school children (odds ratio: 1.5 [95% CI: 1.1; 2.0]). The existing refractive services provided 47.4% coverage for children with RE. The current screening initiative could identify 22 (2.9%) new cases of RE who required visual aids and 38 (4.9%) students who needed a new prescription for RE. The compliance rate for using visual aid among students with RE was 78.9%. The prevalence of amblyopia and strabismus was 1.2% and 11%, respectively.CONCLUSION:A high proportion of Indian school students in Riyadh have RE. Periodic ocular assessment and refractive services are recommended for this group of school children.

Pattern of ocular diseases among adult patients visiting ophthalmic clinics in Qassim University, Saudi Arabia 2021

Background: The World Health Organization confirmed the importance of obtaining information about the pattern of ocular diseases in the population as this is helpful to provide appropriate management and application of programs based on the priorities of the population. This study aimed to determine the most prevalent patterns of ocular diseases and to compare the patterns of ocular diseases among different age groups and genders in patients visiting ophthalmic clinics in Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This study was retrospective and cross-sectional in nature, and the data were collected from ophthalmic clinics in Qassim University, Qassim region, Saudi Arabia from January 1, 2020 to January 1, 2021. The data collection form consisted of basic demographic characteristics and diagnosed ocular disease. Results: A total of 384 patients were included. The most common age group was > 50 years old (35.4%) with slightly more males (53.4%) than females (46.6%). The most common anatomical region of eye abnormality was the cornea (26.8%), and its prevalence was statistically significantly higher in age group 16-30 years (p < 0.001). Refractive errors were the commonly detected corneal disease (17.7%), while cataracts (9.9%) and presbyopia (8.6%) were the most common lens diseases. Likewise, blepharitis was the most common diseases for the eyelid (7.8%), and strabismus was the common disorder of ocular motility (7.3%). Conclusion: The prevalence of refractive errors and strabismus was more common among young patients, while the prevalence of cataracts and glaucoma was more common among older patients.

Prevalence of Refractive Errors in the Total Population and the Analysis of Myopic Progression in Adults Aged 20 to 39 in the Urban Area of Tirana, Albania

This study is a retrospective analysis of data stored digitally for 13 years in a Vision Center located in the urban area of Tirana, Albania. In a population of 19,686 people (39.5% M and 60.5% F) who met the criteria, there was a prevalence of astigmatism 42% (12% only astigmatism, 30% associated with hyperopia or myopia), myopia 25%, hyperopia 22% and 24% presbyopic prescriptions for the medium and near distance. The myopia progression study (mean spherical equivalent) indicates that 20% of people had no change, 42% had an increase in myopic correction from 0.25D to 0.50D, 17% from 0.75D to 1.00D, 11% from 1.25D to 1.50D, 5% from 1.75D to 2.00D and 5% of the population had myopic progression greater than 2.00D.

Frequency of Refractive Errors in Squinting Eyes of Children from 4 to 16 Years Presenting at Tertiary Care Hospital

<i>Purpose: </i>To determine the frequency of refractive errors in squinting eyes of children from 4 to 16 years presenting at tertiary care hospital. <i>Study Design:</i> A descriptive cross-sectional prospective study was done. <i>Place and Duration: </i>The study was conducted in Paedriatic Ophthalmology, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar. The duration of the study was 15^th Sep to 15^th Oct, 2021. <i>Materials and Methods: </i>Sample size was 146 keeping 41.45% proportion of refractive errors in children with squinting eyes, 95% confidence interval and 8% margin of error under WHO sample size calculations. Non-probability consecutive sampling was done. <i>Result: </i>Mean age was 8.57±2.66 years. Male were 89 (61.0%) and female were 57 (39.0%). Refractive error was present in 56 (38.4%), including 9 myopic, 32 hyperrmetropic, and 15 astigmatic children, and was absent in 90 (61.6%) patients. 57 positive parent refractive error patients, 21 (36.8%) showed refractive errors. However, In 89 patients without parent refractive errors, 35 (39.3%) showed refractive errors, p value 0.763. Early use of electric equipment against the refractive error showed that of total 56 patients with early use of electric equipment, 24 (42.9%) showed refractive errors. In 90 patient without the early use of electric equipment, 32 (35.6%) showed refractive errors There was no association of gender, age, parent refractive errors or early usage of electric equipment with the refractive errors. <i>Conclusion: </i>Prevalence of refractive errors is high in patient with strabismus. There is no association of age, gender, parent refractive errors or early usage of electric equipment in the occurrence of refractive errors. Further studies are recommended for confirmation of these.

Vision rehabilitation in elderly patients aged 80 years or over: Epidemiological profile and prescription of optical, nonoptical, and electronic devices

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the epidemiological profile and prescription of optical, nonoptical, and electronic devices in the elderly aged 80 years or older, in a low-vision rehabilitation center in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Methods: This is a retrospective, observational, descriptive study held in a low-vision rehabilitation center in Belo Horizonte, from 1992 to 2016. A total of 448 medical records were analyzed and 375 (83.7%) were included. Age, gender, occupation, diagnosis, ocular and systemic diseases associated, best-corrected visual acuity, refractive error, goal to be achieved, optical, nonoptical, and electronic devices, and visual hallucination were considered. Results: Of the 375 medical record evaluated, 310 (82.6%) cases were of patients aged 80–89 years old, 218 cases (58.1%) were female and 262 cases (69.8%) were of retired patients. The age-related macular degeneration was the most prevalent disease, 296 (78.9%), followed by glaucoma in 31 patients (8.2%) and diabetic retinopathy in 9 (2.4%). Low myopia was the most prevalent refractive error, present in 148 (39.4%). A severe visual loss occurred in 145 patients (38.6%) while reading was the main goal, with 339 cases (90.4%). Optical and/or electronic devices were prescribed to 361 patients (96.2%), in a total of 418 optical and 66 electronic devices. Among the electronic devices, video magnifiers (CCTV) were indicated for 37 patients (9.8%) and handheld electronic magnifiers for 29 patients (7.7%). Visual hallucinations were reported in 11 cases (2.9%). Conclusions: This study shows that vision rehabilitation is possible in the elderly.