DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2019.v07i12.011

Pages: 3879-3881

Purpose: To study the use of spectacles and problems faced by these children while using spectacles. Methods: This was a hospital-based observational study conducted over a period of 6 months in children between 2 to 14 years of age using spectacles. A standard questionnaire was asked and answers were evaluated. Data thus obtained was subjected to standard statistical analysis. Results: Among 110 children in the study, 58 (52.7%) were male and 52 (47.3%). Were female, with a male-female ratio of 1.1:1. Their average age was 10± 2.8 years. 31.8% children felt that wearing spectacles is a sign of intelligence. 75.5% were of the opinion that if they do not use spectacles, their refractive power will increase. 20.9% children said that the continuous use of spectacles will lead to an increase in their power. 42.7% considered nutritional deficiency as a common cause of refractive error while 47.3% children thought that yoga or diet or traditional medicines or a combination of these can reduce the refractive error. 55.5% felt that they faced problems due to the use of spectacles. 77.3% were teased for using spectacles and 33.6% children considered spectacles as a cosmetic blemish. 56.4% children accepted that they feel ashamed or embarrassed in using spectacles. Conclusion: Knowledge in children regarding use of spectacles and refractive errors is not very encouraging. Children do face problems in using spectacles. There is potential for incorporation of correct information in the curriculum and teachers’ training program.