INCIDENCE OF MYOPIA IN SCHOOL GOING CHILDREN IN RAHIM YAR KHAN

Abstract

Background: Myopia is becoming a major health problem all over the world.. Objectives: To assess
the incidence of myopia among school children and to determine the association of genetics, nutrition and close work
to myopia. Design: Prospective study. Setting: In Rahim Yar Khan district. Period: From Feb 2006 to June 2006.
Material and Methods: We conducted a cross sectional survey among school children of 8-15 years age. There was
300 children in this study from two school. They were checked for visual acquity and nutritional status after taking a
complete personal and family history. Any student detected to have myopia was then brought to eye outdoor for further
specialized check up and evaluation. Results: A total 57 students (19%) were found to have myopia in school going
children in Rahim yar Khan between ages 10-15 years. The genetic factor was present in 91% of myopes (P<0.001).
The average amount of near work after school in myopes was considerably more than the emmetropes P<0.05 for
study and P<0.005 for recreational books. Regarding nutritional status, 30% myopes were mainourished whereas
similar percentage of emmetropes was malnourished. Conclusion: In our study heredity was closely associated with
myopia. The children in both groups (the myopes and emmetropes) did almost equal amount of near work for their
studies but myopes spent more time in reading for pleasure than emmetropes who took more pleasure in out door
sports activities. The nutritional status of children was not associated with incidence of myopia in our study.