Evaluation of refraction defects in school age children in Zonguldak province

Purpose: To investigate the prevalence of refractive errors in preschool and school age in Zonguldak province. Materials and Methods: Between November 2015-December 2016, 14717 children aged between 3-11 years were evaluated for refractive errors in classrooom setting without cycloplegia by Plusoptix A12 pediatric autorefractometer. Right eye measurements were evaluated retrospectively. Significant refractive errors were defined as myopia ≥-0.75 diopters (D), hyperopia ≥ + 2.00 D and astigmatism ≥1.50 D. Results: The mean age was 7.05 (± 1.58) years. 1249 (8.7%) children had significant refractive error. Of those with significant refractive error astigmatism was diagnosed in 44.6%, myopia was diagnosed in 35.8% and hyperopia was diagnosed in 19.6% in order of frequencyhool children had myopia. 3.6% or urban and 2.1% of rural school schildren had myopia (p <0.001). Myopia rate was 2.5% in the 3-5 age group, 2.6% in the 6-8 age group, and 6.2% in the 9-11 age group (p <0.001). Unable readings were obtained in 401 (2.7%) children. 48.1% of children with unable readings had complete eye examination. Of those 91% had significant refractive error or ocular pathology. Among those with unable readings strabismus was the most frequent cause (32.6 %) followed by high refractive errors beyond instruments measurement range (22.7%), and significant refractive errors (22.2%). 8.8% of children with unable readings had normal exam. Discussion and Conclusion: The most common refractive error was astigmatism and myopia, respectively. Myopia increases especially at the age of 9-11. Most children with unable readings had significant ocular pathology.