Abstract

Background: 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: To assess the magnitude of refractive error among school-going children of Imphal, Manipur, India, and to determine the association between refractive error and variables such as sex, dietary habits, family history, and daily activities such as watching television and using computers.
Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among upper primary school students (students of classes six and seven) of Imphal from June 21, 2014 to July 8, 2014. Sample size was calculated to be 267. Cluster sampling method was used to select the study participants. Snellen chart, Roman test type chart, and pinhole were used 2 to detect refractive error. Analysis was done using χ -test and Fisher’s exact test. P value of <0.05 was taken as significant. Result: Total number of respondents was 302. Prevalence of refractive error was 29.14% and among them only 20.5% were already wearing glasses for correction. Prevalence of refractive error was significantly associated with watching television sitting nearby, using computers, positive family history, problem while reading the blackboard in the class, and problem while watching TV, computer, or playing video games. Conclusion: Students, parents, and teachers must be educated about the early detection of refractive error and correction with spectacles to prevent progression of visual impairment.