Awareness of Myopia amongst Parents of School Going Children in a Survey Done in a Tertiary Care Centre in Vidarbha Region, India

Background: There is a increase in prevalence and burden of myopia in India, hence extent of myopia awareness among Indian parents is required to prepare future public health initiatives and interventions. Hence a survey was conducted.

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the level of myopia awareness among a group of parents based in Vidarbha region of India.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey, 150 parents with at least one child under the age of 16 years participated in the study. Age, gender, educational qualification and number of children were asked, the amount of time a child spends on his device, the acceptable distance between the eyes and device screen, the preventive measures of myopia and awareness of symptoms of myopia in their children were collected via a written questionnaire.

Results: Eighty-three participants (55.33%) thought that the safe distance between device screen and eyes was less than 30cms. Fifteen 10% (15/150) participants were aware that outdoor activity and natural light has a preventive effect on myopia and onset and progression. 16.66% (25/150) and 63.33% (95/150) of the participants, respectively, were aware that looking into the distance and taking regular breaks from device use prevent myopia onset and progression. Hundred (66.66%, 100/150) participants reported that regular eye check-ups were important for children. Overall, only 14 participants (9.33%) were aware that all 4 strategies are important for myopia management. Majority of the participants reported that their children spent 2 hours on screen (73.33%,110/150), none of the participants reported study time of 4 hours or more than 4 hrs, 15 participants reported study time of 3 hours (10 percent), 25 participants reported screen time of 1 hour (16.66%). Majority of the participants were not aware of the rule of 20-20-20, looking into the distance in online study and prolonged screen time (73.33%,110/150).

Only twenty participants reported headache and tiredness (9.7%) in their children, no other symptoms were recognised.

Conclusion: Survey demonstrated a poor level of awareness of protective role of outdoor activity in its onset and progression. Importance of regular eye check-ups and outdoor activity and risks of smart device usage should be included in awareness programs and other health education programs.