Assessment of Refractive Error among Middle School Children in Rural Meerut: A Cross-Sectional Study

Ashu Choudhary, Tanveer Bano, Sanjeev Kumar, Ganesh Singh, Lokesh Kumar Singh

Abstract: Introduction: Eye diseases originating in childhood often go unnoticed, impacting academic performance and potentially causing permanent vision damage. Refractive error, a prevalent visual impairment where the eye fails to focus light correctly, is a significant public health issue. Middle school children (11-14 years) are at a critical stage of visual development, making accurate diagnosis and management of refractive errors essential for their academic and social well-being. Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of refractive error among public and private middle school children in Rural Meerut and identify associated risk factors. Methodology: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2024 to March 2025 in selected rural Meerut schools. The study population included 350 students from 6th to 8th standard, selected using a multistage sampling method. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel and Epi-info software, with associations between qualitative variables assessed using the Chi-square test (p < 0.05 considered significant). Results: The prevalence of refractive error was 22.6% among participants, with myopia (19.7%) being the most common type. Significant risk factors included age (p = 0.0345), type of family (p = 0.0058), socioeconomic status (p = 0.0000), parental history of refractive error (p = 0.000), sibling history of refractive error (p = 0.0003), and type of lighting used for studying (p = 0.0367). Gender, type of school, religion, and dietary habits were not statistically significant. Conclusion & Recommendations: A notable proportion of middle school children in Rural Meerut have refractive error, predominantly myopia, influenced by several identifiable risk factors. Targeted vision screening programs are recommended for middle school children, especially those aged 11-13, from nuclear families, and with a family history of refractive error. Promoting adequate study lighting and addressing socioeconomic disparities are also crucial. Further research into specific dietary deficiencies is advised.

Keywords: Refractive error, Myopia, Middle school children, Risk factors, Rural Meerut, Vision screening

How to Cite?: Ashu Choudhary, Tanveer Bano, Sanjeev Kumar, Ganesh Singh, Lokesh Kumar Singh, "Assessment of Refractive Error among Middle School Children in Rural Meerut: A Cross-Sectional Study", Volume 14 Issue 8, August 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 60-65, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25731194640, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25731194640