Affiliation:
1. L V Prasad Eye Institute
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Refractive error (RE) is one of the leading causes of childhood vision impairment. Increasing effective refractive error coverage (e-REC) is one of the main goals of WHO’s 2030 global eye health targets. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of RE, e-REC, risk factors and spectacle coverage among school children in Telangana, South India.
Methods
School children aged 4-15 years in the study locations underwent vision screening using 6/12 tumbling E optotype by trained community eye health workers in the schools. Those failing the initial vision screening and/or found to be having eye conditions were referred to a nearby referral centre appropriately, where they underwent detailed eye examination.
Results
A total of 774 184 children were screened in schools of which 51.49% were boys. The mean age was 9.40 ± 3.27 years. The prevalence of RE was 1.44% (95%CI:1.41-1.46) of which myopia was 1.38% (95%CI: 1.35-1.41). In multivariate analysis, the risk of myopia was higher among older children (Adj.OR: 17.04; 95%CI: 14.64-19.85), those residing in urban areas (Adj.OR:3.05, 95%CI:2.60-3.57), those with disabilities (Adj.OR:2.61, 95%CI:2.00-3.39) and among girls (Adj.OR:1.30, 95%CI:1.25-1.35) (P=0.00). The overall e-REC was 56.97% and the spectacle coverage was 62.83%.
Conclusion
Myopia being the most common type of RE, the risk factors included increasing age, urban location, and presence of disability. The need for interventions to improve e-REC to achieve 2030 global eye health target is also eminent among children in this region.
Publisher
Research Square Platform LLC
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