PREVALENCE OF EYE DISORDERS IN CHILDREN PRESENTING IN OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT WITH ASTHENOPIA

Abstract

Introduction: Asthenopia is a common complaint in school going children. The magnitude of the problem in our region is not known.

Methodology: Children (5-18 years) presenting in pediatric and ophthalmology outpatient department with symptoms (defined a proiri) were included in study. Exclusion criteria included BCVA of less than 6/9 in either eye, strabismus, ocular or systemic diseases affecting binocular vision, and using any medication that can impact accommodation or convergence. Previous day 24 hour recall method was used to assess the time spent on various activities. Subsequently, detailed refractive assessment was done.

Results: A total of 24200 children with age group 5-18 years visited outpatient department. Out of them 520 (2.1%) children had symptoms of asthenopia. The proportion of males (66.6%) was higher than female (33.4%). The proportion of children with asthenopia increased from 21% in 5-9 year group to 45% in 13-18 year group. Tearing and eye pain were the commonest presenting complaints The presence of four or more symptoms was not observed in 5-9 age group. Asthenopic children spend a mean of 4.2 hours/day on screen.

Conclusion: Asthenopia is common eye complaint in school children. It can interfare in near work, so warrants prompt treatment.