Pattern and Distribution of Refractive Errors Among Primary School Children in Bindura Town
- Author
- Masuka, Abigail. M
- Title
- Pattern and Distribution of Refractive Errors Among Primary School Children in Bindura Town
- Abstract
- It is approximated that about nineteen million children in the world who are 15 years and below have visually impairment with twelve million of this value being due to uncorrected refractive errors. Amblyopia can arise if children are left with uncorrected refractive errors; it also causes limitation in academic progress, poor functioning of social life and diminished quality of life. Identification and correction of refractive errors at such an early stage can enhance the quality of life of the children and also improve their academic performance. With current clinical and economic impact of uncorrected refractive errors, studies from many practice settings will enhance knowledge on uncorrected refractive errors and the related matters.The study looked for the pattern and distribution of refractive errors among primary school children in Bindura town. The study used a cross-sectional design which was conducted at Shashi primary school. The study instruments which were used are a snellen chart, tumbling E chart, an auto refractor, a PD rule and an ophthalmoscope. A total number of 752 pupils were selected and from the auto refractor, the refractive errors were determined. The pattern and distribution was established from the results. the total number of participants was 752 students from Shashi view primary school in Bindura. Ages of the students ranged from 5 to 13 years, 364 (48.4%) were males while 388 (51.6%). The students were divided into two groups; one consisted of children aged from 5 to 8 years and the other from 9 to 13 years. The first group consisted of 379 (50.4%) and the second of 373 (49.6%). A total of 96.9% children had normal vision with no error. The overall prevalence of refractive error was 3.1%, with myopia constituting 73.9% and hypermetropia 26.1%. Prevalence of myopia was higher among females (56.5%). The spherical equivalence of astigmatism was used.
- Date
- 2023
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Pattern and Distribution
- Supervisor
- Dr Kwarteng
- Item sets
- Department of Optometry
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