Prevalence and Factors Associated with Refractive Errors among 10–16-Year-Old School Children in Urban Western Maharashtra: A School-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract
Refractive error is one of the leading yet preventable causes of visual impairment among school-aged children. Unrecognized refractive errors may compromise academic achievement and overall well-being. Regular school-based eye screening and timely spectacle correction are key strategies for preventing avoidable visual impairment. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of refractive errors, identify associated factors, and explore barriers to accessing refractive error correction services among school children. A school-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 461 school children aged 10–16 years from an urban school in Pune district, Maharashtra. Visual acuity was evaluated using a Snellen’s chart, and data on sociodemographic characteristics, screen time, family history, spectacle use, and parental awareness were collected through a pretested structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20.0. Associations were examined using the Chi-square test, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. The overall prevalence of refractive errors was 10.63% (49/461). Myopia was the predominant refractive error (8.03%), followed by hypermetropia (4.12%), while 1.52% of children had both conditions. Only 19 (38.78%) of the affected children were using corrective spectacles. Increasing age, positive parental history of refractive errors, and prolonged screen time were significantly associated with refractive errors ( P < 0.05). The major barriers to spectacle use and accessing eye care services included poor parental awareness regarding available treatment facilities, discomfort while wearing spectacles, and limited accessibility to eye care services. Myopia was the predominant refractive error among the affected children. Low spectacle use and poor parental awareness were important barriers to eye care. Regular school vision screening, timely referral, and improved access to refractive services are necessary for early diagnosis and effective management of visual impairment.