Abstract:
Introduction: This study aims to determine the prevalence of refractive errors and
associated factors among primary school students.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a primary school in Kuala
Lumpur. Visual screening was conducted by using the simplified logMAR chart and
autorefractor on all 362 consenting students. Demographic data and details of
associated factors collected by self-administered questionnaire from the parents.
Results: The prevalence of refractive errors was 63.5%, with myopic astigmatism
(53.0%) was the commonest type of refractive errors, followed by myopia and
astigmatism both constituting at 22.2% each, and only 2.6% of the refractive errors
were of hyperopic astigmatism. Both univariate and multivariate analysis showed
that genetic factors, age group, outdoor activities under sunlight and sleeping
duration were significantly associated with refractive errors.
Conclusion: Prevalence of refractive errors was high among primary school students
in Kuala Lumpur, modifiable factors should be emphasized, students should be
encouraged to go for outdoor activities more often and practise good sleep hygiene.
Parents should utilize the knowledge on eye health and educate their children to
practice good eye care.
