The Impact of Eye Health on School Children: A Study in Rural and Urban Localities

Abstract

Background: Visual impairment in children refers to a condition where a child’s ability to see is compromised, leading to difficulties in processing visual information. It can occur due to various congenital or acquired factors and can range from mild to profound. Visual impairment in children can significantly impact their overall development, education, and social interactions. Around the world, 80% of vision impairment is thought to be preventive or treatable, or avoidable. Early detection of visual acuity issues in children is critical for successful intervention. During the early developmental stages, the visual system is still malleable, and treatment can lead to better outcomes Aim: This study aims’ to assess the visual acuity and factors affecting school children between the age groups of 10–15 years. Material and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study conducted from December 2022 to January 2023, using purposive sampling technique with 200 samples in Urban Buvana Krishna Matriculation School Kelambakkam and Rural St Joseph’s Matriculation School Melakottaiyur. The selected children undergone screening by using Snellen visual acuity chart was used to check the vision at 3 m distance. Results: Among these children 11.5% of them <6|18–6|60 had visual impairment of both eyes VA (logMAR) <0.5–1.0 and 5.0% of them <6|60–3|60 had severe visual impairment of both eyes VA (logMAR) <1.0–1.30. Conclusion: School children’s visual impairment was primarily caused by refractive error. For early detection and management, school screening is advised. To prevent the progression of vision impairment, parents, teachers, and students need education on refractive error early identification and correction. Nurses can promote eye health and prevent visual impairment by educating patients and the community about eye protection, proper use of eyewear, and lifestyle factors that influence eye health, such as diet and avoiding excessive screen time. visual acuity is an important aspect of nursing care, and nurses play a pivotal role in assessing, managing, and supporting patients with visual impairment. By integrating eye health promotion, patient education, collaborative care, and advocacy, nurses contribute to improving the overall eye health and well-being of their patients.