A Comparative Study on the Prevalence of Refractive Errors Between Urban and Rural Primary School Children

초등학생의 지역간 시력차이에 관한 연구 -대구 및 영천지역을 중심으로-

The study was carried out to estimate the prevalence and possible causes of refractive errors in primary school children. At one primary school in urban Daegu, one in the medium-sized city of Yongcheon and 2 in rural areas, children wearing glasses and children with visual acuity of less than 0.7 were given our questions. 354 out of 378 children responded to our questions. The research was done from March 2000 to February 2001. The data were analyzed by percentage, x2 test, t-test, ANOVA and Scheff method. Children with eyesight problems were more prevalent in urban areas than rural areas. The lack of luminosity during reading (p=0.015), length of reading time (p=0.08) and posture which watching TV (p=0.023) appeared leading causes of progressing myopias. The visual impairment caused by refractive errors may affect the mental and physical activity of primary school children and lead to social isolation, loneliness and depression. However, little attention may be paid by professionals engaged in providing health care to the children. Once we have recognized the impact of visual impairment, we may be in a better position to prevent progressing refractive errors.