KUMJ | VOL. 23 | NO. 4 | ISSUE 92 | OCTOBER-DECEMBER

Pattern of Refractive Error and Visual Impairment Due to Uncorrected Refractive Error among the Pediatric Populations Attending Ophthalmology Department of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Dhulikhel, Kavre
Kaiti R, Shrestha J, Shrestha P, Shrestha R, Shrestha GS, Kondal N, Sthapit PR

Abstract:
Background The refractive error is an anomaly of the dioptric system of the eye in which rays of light are not focused on the retina. Objective To ascertain the pattern and prevalence of refractive error and visual impairment secondary to it in the pediatric population attending to ophthalmology department of Dhulikhel hospital. Method This was a hospital-based, prospective, cross-sectional study design. Presenting visual acuity, age of presentation, refractive status, best corrected visual acuity, and status of visual impairment were assessed in children ranging from 3-15 years presenting to the Ophthalmology department of Dhulikhel Hospital within the period of 6 months. They underwent assessment of visual acuity in different charts (as per their co-operation level) and cyclorefraction. History of use of spectacle was noted, and the children were categorized into different visual impairment categories as per their presenting visual acuity. Paired t-test was used to assess the improvement in visual acuity, post-refractive error correction. Result Out of 1,498 children examined during the study period, 116 (7.74%) had refractive error. Among these 60 (51.70%) were females and 56 (48.30%) were males. The mean age at presentation was 11.45±3.62 years. Astigmatism was the most common subtype seen in 45.26% (N=105 eyes), followed by Myopia (42.67%, N=99 eyes) and Hypermetropia (11.21%, N=26 eyes). Only 36.20% (N=42) of the pediatric population were using spectacle. 62.90% (N= 73 children) had some of visual impairment during their presentation. There was statistically significant improvement in visual acuity after refractive correction (paired t-test, P<0.001). Conclusion Refractive errors were common among children with astigmatism having highest prevalence and majority presenting with visual impairment. Lack of awareness, infrequent ocular examination and lack of vision screening were the main causes for the late presentation. So, early detection through screening programs and timely management is recommended to enhance quality of life.
Keyword : Astigmatism, Refractive error, Spectacle, Visual impairment