Authors : Rishi Mehta, Rishi Mehta, Nutan Bedi, Nutan Bedi, Sharda Punjabi, Sharda Punjabi
DOI : 10.18231/j.ijceo.2019.077
Volume : 5
Issue : 3
Year : 2019
Page No : 322-325
Introduction: Myopia is a refractive error in which ability to see an object at a distance is reduced. Not only is this widely prevalent but also there has been an increase in the prevalence of myopia around the globe. Myopia leads to short-sightedness and sometimes irreversible blindness. Myopic patients have to use optical device like spectacles or contact lenses which have recurring expenses or undergo a laser refractive surgery which is very expensive. Pathological myopia if complicated by retinal detachement leads to immense morbidity and financial burden. Although many hypotheses have been proposed, but definite cause has not been established.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on medical students. Detailed history and eye examination was done. Uncorrected visual acuity, best corrected visual acuity, visual acuity by pin-hole, colour vision cycloplegic refraction, tonometry and fundus examination were performed. Intraocular pressure, keratometry and axial length measurements were done. Myopia was classified into low (-0.5D to -2.00D), moderate (-2.25D to -6.00D) and high (>-6.00D). Myopia prevalence was calculated and then statistically analyzed. P <0>
Results: Out of 233 (107 males) students myopia was found in (123) 52.78%. Myopia was distributed in males and females as 54.47% vs. 45.52% (p<0>
Conclusion: Myopia was found to be highly prevalent in medical students. Greater time spent on near –work and indoor activities while lesser time on outdoor activities is a risk factor for myopia.
Keywords: Cycloplegic refraction, Myopia, Medical students, Near vision, Prevalence.