Refractory errors in medical students in a teaching hospital in rural Telangana
Abstract
Introduction: Refractive errors are attributing to major public health problem. The increasing prevalence rates of myopia have reached to epidemic proportions in many Asian countries. Thisstudy was done to determine the prevalence rates of refractive errors in medical students.
Methods: About 350 medical students (aged 19-23 years) of MediCiti Institute of Medical Sciences were examined. Refractive error measurements were determined using an autorefractor. Demographical data was obtained by questionnaires filled in by the students.
Results: A total of 176 students (40%) of 350 students had refractive errors. A female pre-ponderance was observed. 104 females (59%) and 72 (41%) males. Myopia was seen in 70.45%, Hyperopia was present in 6.8% of the participants and the astigmatism prevalence rate was 38%.
Conclusion: Myopia was the predominant refractive error among the medical students. Hence, timely intervention is the hour of the need as correction of refractive error will increase the productivity thus benefiting the society and the country.
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References
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Copyright (c) 2018 Author (s). Published by Siddharth Health Research and Social Welfare Society
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