EXPLORING VISUAL FUNCTIONALITY IN SCHOOL-GOING CHILDREN (6-12 YEARS) FROM URBAN AND RURAL DISTRICT OF PUNE

• Susmita Banerjee*

Abstract

Abstract Clinical Relevance: This study emphasizes the importance of early detection and intervention for visual impairments in children, emphasizing the crucial role of clinical optometrists in conducting regular eye check-ups and collaborating with schools and parents. Background - This study examines visual impairment prevalence in Pune District's urban and rural school children, recognizing environmental influences on visual development. Understanding variations in visual metrics informs public health initiatives. Visual acuity and color vision play pivotal roles in academic and social development, highlighting the importance of targeted vision care strategies. Objective - "To compare visual functionality, in school-going children aged 6-12 years from urban and rural districts of Pune, aiming to identify potential disparities and inform targeted vision care interventions." Material & Method - A cross-sectional study in Pune District evaluated 900 systematically selected school children (450 from urban, 450 from rural areas). Visual metrics were assessed: stereo acuity (Titmus test), amplitude of accommodation (RAF rule), refractive status (full spectacle correction), visual acuity (Snellen's chart), and color vision (Ishihara test). Statistical analysis employed descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Result - In a demographic study of 900 participants from 7 Taluka schools in Pune, Maval Taluka had the highest representation (17.9%). Prevalence of myopia was higher in urban (94.8%) than rural (70.7%) areas, while hypermetropia was more common in rural (29.3%) than urban (5.2%) areas. Color vision deficiencies exhibited no significant difference. Stereo acuity and amplitude of accommodation varied significantly geographically, with stereo acuity notably lower than refractive errors and amplitude of accommodation. Conclusion - The study found lower stereo acuity than refractive errors and amplitude of accommodation, with significant differences between urban and rural children, suggesting environmental influences. Interventions are crucial for addressing visual impairments and supporting academic and social development.

Keywords

Refractive errors, Amplitude of Accommodation, Visual acuity, color vision, refractive index.