COMPLIANCE OF SPECTACLES IN SCHOOL CHILDREN WITH REFRACTIVE ERRORS

Abstract

Purpose:

Assessment of Compliance of Spectacles in School Children with Refractive Error and reason of Non-Compliance.

Introduction:

The condition known as refractive error occurs when the eyes are unable to focus parallel light on the retina.Spectacles is a visual aid that consists of lenses and frames with sides extending towards the ear. Spectacles are used to correct refractive errors, enhance visual performance,  and enable participation in daily activities. The childs who use to wear spectacles are prevented from amblyopia and all other visual disorders (1).

Refractive errors were shown to be the leading cause of visual impairment among school children as reported in numerous studies. However, a lot of young children with such diseases don't show any symptoms. Visual screening is helpful in identifying asymptomatic visual problems, but wearing spectacles is not always adhered to for a variety of reasons, including forgetting to wear them, being self-conscious about how they look, or not believing that they are necessary (2).

Methodology:

 It was a cohort mixed study. Data was collected from HDF Schools in Mardan duration. A properly design Performa was used for data collection. Data was collected from students of HDF Schools in Mardan.

Results:

The study examined 2309 students in two phases, started in February and continued in September 2023. The first phase found that 252 students had refractive errors, and 74 were provided with spectacles free of charge. The second phase involved interviews with students to check compliance and non-compliance of spectacles. The study found that compliance with spectacles was 58.1%, and non-compliance was 49.9%. The frequency of spectacles wear varied among age groups, with 11-13 years old children having the highest frequency. The study also found that 93.0% of subjects were satisfied with their spectacles, while 7.0% were not satisfied. Non-compliance of spectacles was mainly due to broken, uncomfortable, lost, or parents' restrictions. The most common reasons for non-compliance were headaches, diplopia, and eye strain.

Conclusion:

Compliance was highest among 11-13 years old children (47.3%) and females (93.2%). Higher compliance rate observed in students from classes 4-6 (58.1%). The wearing spectacles frequency was 43 which was 58.1% and those who were not wearing spectacles their frequency was 31 which was 41.9%. The majority 93.0% expressed satisfaction with their spectacles, while 7.0% were dissatisfied. The study highlighted common complaints associated with non-compliance, including headaches (38.7%), diplopia (3.2%), and eye strain (16.1%).