Refractive Error among Children Visiting the Department of Paediatric Opthalmology of a Tertiary Eye Care Center

Abstract

Introduction: Refractive error is the inability of eyes to focus clearly on images. Visual impairment due to refractive error has a major impact on children's education and daily activities. The hospital has no documentation of the ocular morbidity related to refractive errors in children. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of refractive error in children visiting the Department of Paediatric Ophthalmology of a tertiary care centre. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done in the Outpatient Department of Paediatric Ophthalmology in a tertiary care centre from 8 September 2022 to 7 March 2023 after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee. A convenience sampling method was used. The point estimate was calculated at 95% Confidence Interval. Results: Among 3600 children, the prevalence of refractive error was seen in 668 children (18.56%) (15.61-21.51, 95% Confidence Interval). Refractive error was seen in 363 (54.34%) boys and 305 (45.66%) girls. Myopia was found in 340 (50.90%), astigmatism in 207 (30.99%), and hyperopia in 121 (18.11%). Conclusions: The prevalence of refractive error among children attending a tertiary care centre was found to be higher than studies done in similar settings. Regular screening of refractive error for visual impairment is recommended among school going children.