A Study of Uncorrected Refractive errors among school going children in Urban Slums of Raipur.

Dr. Praphull Kumar Dewangan; Dr Vinod Gedam

Volume : VIII, Issue : X, October - 2019

A Study of Uncorrected Refractive errors among school going children in Urban Slums of Raipur.

Dr. Praphull Kumar Dewangan, Dr Vinod Gedam

Abstract :

Introduction: Uncorrected refractive error is the leading cause of eye problem and the second cause of blindness worldwide. Among children aged 5–15 years, 12.8 million are visually impaired because of refractive errors. Objective is To assess the magnitude of refractive error among school going children in slum areas of Raipur city near its Urban Health Centre Method: Study was designed as a cross sectional study conducted in primary schools of urban slums of Raipur city near its Urban Health Centre . 300 children were randomly selected and examined . Snellen chart, Roman test type chart, and pinhole were used to detect refractive error. Analysis was done using χ2–test and Fisher’s exact test. P value of <0.05 was taken as significantI nformation was analysed by using the Microsoft Excel and SPSS . Results: Prevalence of refractive error was 29.14% and among them only 20.5% were already weå glasses for correction. Prevalence of refractive error was significantly associated with watching television sitting nearby, using mobiles, positive family history, problem while reading the blackboard in the class, and problem while watching TV, computer, or playing video games. Conclusion: Study showed that this preventable cause of ocular morbidity is still prevalent in fair magnitude. Studies are needed on this issue to highlight the importance Students, parents, and teachers must be educated about the early detection of refractive error and correction with spectacles to prevent progression of visual impairment.