Determinants Of Refractive Errors Among The Teenagers Visiting The Eye Department Of Tertiary Care Hospitals, Lahore

Abstract: Refractive errors are a common social issue and are the biggest causes of visual impairment in teenagers. Lack of awareness about risk factors and complications that arise are the reasons for increasing trend an early age. Objective: To nd out the determinants of refractive errors among the teenagers visiting the eye department of tertiary care hospitals, Lahore. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at outdoor units of eye department of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahoreduring 4 months using non-probability convenient sampling technique. The data were collected through pre-tested questionnaire from 100 teenagers suffering from refractive errors. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. Frequencies were calculated, Pearson chi-square test was applied. Results: 32% teenager s were belonging to low socioeconomic status and most of the 34% patients were having refractive errors in the age of 12 to 13 years. 77% teenagers were myopic, 10% were hyperopic and 13% teenagers were astigmatic. 92% teenagers were suffering from headache frequently due to unknown reason. 84% teenagers were using electronic gadgets (like TV, computer, mobile phones etc.). Sleep duration of mostly teenagers 41% were in between 6 to 8 hours. Conclusion: Usage of electronic gadgets, working in insufcient light, lack knowledge about eye health, family history of refractive errors and nutritional deciencies were the main determinants of refractive errors among teenagers. Key words: Refrac tive error s , Teenager s , Myopia, Hyperopia, Astigmatism