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Research Paper | Anatomy and Histology | Nigeria | Volume 3 Issue 4, April 2014

Effects of Reduced Visual Acuity on Academic Performance among Secondary School Students in South-South Nigeria

Kotingo E. L. ^[3] | Obodo Daniel U. ^[2] | Iroka Felicia Tochi. ^[2] | Ebeigbe Ejime. ^[2] | Amakiri Taribo ^[2]

Abstract: Background: The eyes play vital role in our lives and are perhaps the most gift we have. Visual perception or vision is the ability to interpret information and surroundings from the effects of visible light reaching the eye. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was used that involved the use of data form, for each of the 2 secondary schools and the administration of 360 self administered structured questionnaires to pupils in these secondary schools. Results: 71.71 % of the population studied had normal visual acuity while 28.29 % had reduced visual acuity.57.77 % of those with normal visual acuity had good academic performance (50 % average academic score). While 42.23 % of those with normal acuity had poor academic performance (average academic scoreless than 50 %). Of the 99 students with reduced visual acuity 42.42 % had good academic performance (50 % average academic score), while 57.58 % of those with reduced visual acuity had poor academic score (average <50 %). Visual acuity had a significant impact on their academic performance. Conclusion: In this study series, we recommend that there should be immediate referral of children with suspected visual problem for proper investigation and treatments. Also school screening programmes should be established and follow up for refractive error involving both preschools and children should be done to avert poor academic performances of children and its sequellae.

Keywords: reduced visual acuity, refractive error, school children, visual screening, vision 2020, visual acuity and academic performance

Edition: Volume 3 Issue 4, April 2014,

Pages: 328 - 334

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