Prevalence of Refractive Errors among Elementary School Students in Iranshahr, Iran
Journal of Ophthalmic and Optometric Sciences,
Vol. 7 No. 2 (2023),
11 July 2024,
Page 1-8
https://doi.org/10.22037/joos.v7i2.45974
Purpose: To determine the prevalence of refractive errors among elementary school students in Iranshahr, Iran.
Materials and Methods: For this cross-sectional study, 1,745 students from elementary schools in Iranshahr city, Sistan and Baluchestan province, Iran, were chosen using a multi-staged cluster sampling method. The examinations included measuring uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), cycloplegic refraction, cover test, and ophthalmoscopy. In this study, the Refractive Error Study in Children (RESC) protocol was applied. Cycloplegic refraction spherical equivalent of less than or equal to -0.50 D was considered myopia, ≥ 2.00 D was considered hypermetropia, and a cylinder ≥ 0.50 D was considered astigmatism.
Results: Information was completed for 1,576 students (response rate: 90.31 %). Participants were on average 9.76 ± 1.86 years old. UCVA and BCVA of 20/20 or lower were found in 15.7 % and 2.5 % percent of the study population, respectively. The prevalence of hyperopia and myopia were 5.7 % and 7.3 % respectively.
Conclusion: Elementary school children in Iranshahr city, Iran show a relatively high prevalence of refractive errors, particularly astigmatism. It is necessary for the health system to focus on identifying and correcting these refractive errors among this age group.