PREVALENCE OF REFRACTIVE ERROR AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

ABSTRACT

Refractive error can be defined as a sort of vision issue that makes it challenging to see distinctly . It occurs when the eyes shape prevent light from properly focusing on the retina. It can be corrected by the use of spectacle lenses , contact lenses or surgery. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of refractive error among secondary school students in Oredo local government area, Benin City. 200 students were examined in this study of 10-17 years age range , 119(59.50%) females and 81(40.50%) males were involved and it was carried out in secondary schools in Oredo local government area , Benin City. Detailed Optometric tests were carried out on the selected students and descriptive statistics/chi-square of the software statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 . The prevalence of refractive error was 17.5% . The prevalence of myopia , hyperopia and astigmatism was 12.50% , 3.00% and 2.00% respectively. It was observed that refractive error was slightly found more in females than males with a percentage of 19.33% for females and 14.8% for males There was no significant relationship between gender and refractive error (p =0.279) . It was recommended that regular examination should be observed and made compulsory for early detection and treatment of refractive errors to prevent visual impairment and the struggles that accompanies it due to uncorrected refractive errors. In conclusion, the prevalence of refractive error was significant among secondary school students in Oredo local government area, Edo State.