Hong Kong Journal of Paediatrics [HK J Paediatr (New Series) 2017;22:209-216]

University of Health Sciences, Gulhane Faculty of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
U Aydogan Assoc. Prof.

Inonu University, Department of Ophthalmology, Malatya, Turkey
OM Ceylan Assoc. Prof.

Balmumcu Family Health Center, Istanbul, Turkey
P Nerkiz MD

Turkish Military Academy, Primary Care Examination Center, Ankara, Turkey
YC Doganer MD

5th Gendarmerie Training Regiment Family Health Center, Kastamonu, Turkey
OT Tombus MD

University of Health Sciences, Gulhane Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Ankara, Turkey
G Gokce Assoc. Prof.
FM Mutlu Prof.

Tanner Clinic, Department of Family Medicine and Sports Medicine, East Layton, Utah, United States
M Thurston MD

World Eye Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology, Ankara, Turkey
HI Altinsoy Prof.

Correspondence to: Assoc. Prof. U Aydogan

Email: uaydogan06@gmail.com

Received May 31, 2016

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.