Visual acuity profile of school-going children: a descriptive cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Visual acuity is a critical component of a child’s visual function and is essential for learning and overall development. Unrecognized reduction in visual acuity during school years can adversely affect academic performance and quality of life. School-based vision screening offers an effective opportunity for early identification of reduced visual acuity, particularly in urban settings where visual demands are high. In this context, the present study aimed to assess the visual acuity status of school-going children aged 6-16 years and to document the eye-wise distribution of visual acuity categories in urban schools of Mysuru.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over one month among 422 children aged 6-16 years selected using probability proportionate to size sampling. Visual acuity was assessed using a standardized Snellen chart. Sociodemographic details and family history of spectacle use were recorded. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results: Normal visual acuity (6/6) was observed in 81.5% of right eyes and 82.7% of left eyes. Reduced visual acuity of 6/12 or worse was observed in a smaller proportion, with higher frequencies noted among older age groups. Visual acuity of 6/18 or worse was more common in children aged 11-16 years. Gender-wise distributions of visual acuity were comparable between boys and girls.

Conclusions: A substantial proportion of school-going children exhibited reduced visual acuity detectable through routine screening. The findings highlight the importance of regular school-based visual acuity assessment to facilitate early identification and timely intervention for visual impairment.