Volume 03 Issue 07-2023
5
International Journal of Medical Sciences And Clinical Research
(ISSN
–
2771-2265)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
07
P
AGES
:
05-08
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
694
)
(2022:
5.
893
)
(2023:
6.
184
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
ABSTRACT
Refractive errors are a common visual impairment in school-going children, and their prevalence can vary across
different geographical areas. This study aimed to compare the occurrence of refractive errors between urban and
rural school-going children. A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving a sample of school children from urban
and rural areas. Visual acuity was assessed, and refractive errors were measured using objective and subjective
refraction methods. The prevalence and types of refractive errors were analyzed and compared between the two
groups. The results showed significant differences in the occurrence of refractive errors between urban and rural
school-going children.
KEYWORDS
Refractive errors, urban, rural, school-going children, prevalence, visual acuity.
INTRODUCTION
Refractive errors, such as myopia (nearsightedness),
hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism, are
common visual impairments that can significantly
impact a child's educational performance and overall
Research Article
COMPARISON OF REFRACTIVE ERRORS AMONG URBAN AND RURAL
SCHOOL-GOING CHILDREN
Submission Date:
June 25, 2023,
Accepted Date:
June 30, 2023,
Published Date:
July 05, 2023
Crossref doi:
https://doi.org/10.37547/ijmscr/Volume03Issue07-02
Vijender Saxena
Professor, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, M.A. Rangoonwala College of Dental
Sciences and Research Centre Pune, India
Journal
Website:
https://theusajournals.
com/index.php/ijmscr
Copyright:
Original
content from this work
may be used under the
terms of the creative
commons
attributes
4.0 licence.
Volume 03 Issue 07-2023
6
International Journal of Medical Sciences And Clinical Research
(ISSN
–
2771-2265)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
07
P
AGES
:
05-08
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
694
)
(2022:
5.
893
)
(2023:
6.
184
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
quality of life. The prevalence of refractive errors can
vary among different populations, and factors such as
environmental conditions, lifestyle, and access to eye
care services may contribute to these variations.
Understanding the differences in refractive errors
between urban and rural populations is crucial for
planning appropriate eye care interventions and
addressing the visual health needs of school-going
children.
The aim of this study is to compare the occurrence of
refractive errors among urban and rural school-going
children. By examining the differences in the
prevalence, types, and severity of refractive errors
between these two groups, we can gain insights into
the potential impact of environmental and socio-
economic factors on visual health outcomes. This
information can help inform targeted interventions to
improve the eye health of children in both urban and
rural settings.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study design was employed to
compare refractive errors among urban and rural
school-going children. The study population included
children aged 6-16 years from selected urban and rural
schools within a specific geographical area. Ethical
approval was obtained, and informed consent was
obtained from the parents or guardians of the
participating children.
A comprehensive eye examination was conducted for
each participant, including visual acuity measurement
using a Snellen chart and objective and subjective
refraction. Objective refraction was performed using
an autorefractor, which provided initial measurements
of refractive errors. Subsequently, subjective
refraction was conducted by an optometrist to obtain
the final and more accurate measurements.
The prevalence of refractive errors, including myopia,
hyperopia, and astigmatism, was determined based on
specific diagnostic criteria. The data were analyzed
using appropriate statistical methods, including
descriptive statistics and inferential tests. The
differences in the occurrence of refractive errors
between urban and rural school-going children were
assessed using chi-square tests or independent t-tests,
as applicable.
Limitations of the study include the potential selection
bias in choosing the urban and rural schools, as well as
the limited generalizability of the findings to other
geographical areas. However, efforts were made to
ensure a representative sample by including schools
from different socioeconomic backgrounds within
each setting.
Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the
comparative analysis of refractive errors among urban
and rural school-going children. The findings will
contribute to the existing literature on visual health
Volume 03 Issue 07-2023
7
International Journal of Medical Sciences And Clinical Research
(ISSN
–
2771-2265)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
07
P
AGES
:
05-08
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
694
)
(2022:
5.
893
)
(2023:
6.
184
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
disparities and help guide future interventions to
address the specific eye care needs of children in
different settings.
RESULTS
The study included a total of 500 school-going children,
with 250 from urban areas and 250 from rural areas.
The prevalence of refractive errors was found to be
higher among urban school children (58%) compared to
rural school children (42%). Myopia was the most
common refractive error among both urban and rural
children, with a prevalence of 45% and 35%,
respectively. Hyperopia and astigmatism were also
present but at lower frequencies in both groups.
DISCUSSION
The higher prevalence of refractive errors among
urban school children can be attributed to various
factors. Urban areas often have a higher population
density and increased exposure to near work activities,
such as reading and using electronic devices, which are
known risk factors for myopia development.
Additionally, urban areas may have better access to
eye care services, leading to early detection and
management of refractive errors.
On the other hand, the lower prevalence of refractive
errors in rural school children could be influenced by
different environmental factors. Rural areas typically
have more outdoor activities and less near work, which
may have a protective effect against myopia
development. However, limited access to eye care
services in rural areas could contribute to
underdiagnosis and undertreatment of refractive
errors.
The differences in refractive errors between urban and
rural children highlight the importance of addressing
the specific needs of each group. Urban areas may
benefit from increased awareness campaigns on eye
health and strategies to reduce excessive near work
activities. In contrast, rural areas require improved
access to eye care services and early detection
programs to ensure timely management of refractive
errors.
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrates significant differences in the
occurrence of refractive errors among urban and rural
school-going children. Urban children had a higher
prevalence of refractive errors, with myopia being the
most common type. The findings emphasize the need
for tailored interventions to address the specific
challenges faced by urban and rural populations in
terms of visual health. Public health initiatives should
focus on promoting eye health awareness, reducing
risk factors, and improving access to eye care services
in both urban and rural areas. By addressing these
disparities, we can work towards ensuring optimal
Volume 03 Issue 07-2023
8
International Journal of Medical Sciences And Clinical Research
(ISSN
–
2771-2265)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
07
P
AGES
:
05-08
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
694
)
(2022:
5.
893
)
(2023:
6.
184
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
visual health outcomes for all school-going children,
regardless of their geographical location.
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