A study on prevalence of Myopia among the Medicos of Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad

Introduction: Refractive error may be defined as a state in which the optical system of the non-accommodating eye fails to bring parallel rays of light to focus on the retina. Especially myopia, which is not only inherited but also caused by excessive reading and other close work. Objective: A systematic cross-sectional study was conducted in OSMANIA MEDICAL COLLEGE to establish refractive errors as a plebeian problem in young medical students. Aim: The aim of the present study is to know the prevalence of myopia and factors which may be responsible for early onset of myopia among the students and to know the knowledge on healthy eye habits and eye care among the children. Methods and Materials: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 195 first year medical students of MBBS who joined during the year 2013-2014. A Pre-tested schedule and examination of eye by team of doctors was conducted. Results: About 96% of students are in the age group of 17 to 20 years, 133 of them i.e. 68% are suffering from myopia and there is no sex difference. Acquired myopia, 72% of them developed by the age of 16 years. Children using computer education are more prone to develop myopia(statistically significant) than others who do not use. 90% of students are not aware of the knowledge about the minimum distance to be observed while using computer. Conclusion: Our observation suggests that myopia is the predominant refractive error among medical students. KeywordsMyopia, Medical students, Computer education.