ABSTRACT
Background: Schoolchildren form an important target group as any ocular morbidity in this age group has huge physical, psychological and socio-economical implications. Considering the fact that one-third of India's blind lose their eyesight before the age of 20 years and many of them are under five years when they become blind, early detection and treatment of ocular morbidity among children is important. This study aims to highlight the prevalence of ocular morbidity in governmental schools in a sub-urbanized area of India. Research question of current study was to study the Effect of TV watching on vision in school children. Methods: Study area: Government schools in a sub-urbanized area of India. Sample size: 1128 school children from class 5th to 12th. Study design: A cross-sectional study was conducted and the study population comprised of school children who were examined in their schools and afterwards referred to the hospital if required. Data was gathered using a questionnaire, snellens charts and retinoscopes. Statistical analysis: simple proportion. Data was analysed statistically using SPSS software, version 14. Results: 1128 children were examined. Percentage of male children was 42.73% and females were 57.18%. Ocular abnormality was detected in 21.3% children with refractive errors contributing 18.26%, conjunctivitis-1.95%, blepheritis-0.62%, dacrocystitis-0.17%, stye-0.35%, color blindness-0%. It was also observed that children watching TV for less than 1 hour had visual acuity of 6/6 in 42.4%, whereas children watching TV for 1-2 hours, 2-3 hours and >3 hours had lower visual acuity. Conclusion: It was concluded that moderate to high prevalence of ocular morbidity among high school children is present in block Hazratbal. Finally, the aim of all blindness control programs should be to propagate awareness in the masses of eye care and to teach the essentials of ocular hygiene and eye healthcare.