Frequency of Refraction Errors among School-age Children in Ankara, Turkey: A Cross-Sectional Study

Uncorrected refractive errors are the most frequent cause of visual impairment in school-age children. The present study sought to evaluate frequency of refraction disorders in school-age children at different socio-cultural levels in Ankara/Turkey. This cross-sectional study was carried out on 1729 children 7-14 years of age. Frequency of refractive errors were determined as 10.8% (n=186) myopia, 3.8% (n=66) hyperopia and 26.3% (n=455) astigmatism. Multiple regression analysis revealed that age (OR: 1.23, p<0.001), positive family history of myopia (OR: 2.36, p<0.001), number of siblings (OR: 0.73, p=0.001) and maternal working status (OR: 0.32, p=0.002) were significantly associated with myopia in children. Frequency of myopia as a cause of refractive errors was increased compared with the other developed countries. Regular eye screening programs in school-aged children should be essential practices to prevent vision loss.