Abstract

Background: Refractive errors (RE) are one of the leading causes of preventable visual impairment worldwide. Spectacles, contact lenses and refractive surgery are the measures used to correct the RE. Attitude of the public towards spectacles may be a limiting factor for their proper use. This study aimed to assess RE among female students of Hafr Al-Batin University and study their attitude towards spectacle use.

Materials and methods: Two hundred and twenty-nine female students were enrolled in the current study. Their refractive errors were examined through complete eye examination by ophthalmologist. Visual Acuity (VA) testing, in both eyes separately, was carried out for all students using Snellen’s VA chart and their attitude towards spectacles was studied through a questionnaire.

Results: Refractive errors were diagnosed in 93 participants (40.6%). Myopia was the commonest RE (27.9%). About 7% among those not using any corrective measures were unaware of their RE. Eighty percent of participants with RE were using corrective spectacles. Sixty five percent of the total participants disagreed that spectacles are cosmetically unacceptable and embarrassing in public, but 42.2% agreed that spectacles lead to dependence and worsening of vision, 42.4% thought that spectacles can damage the eyes.

Conclusion: The current data support the urgent need for awareness programs regarding the RE and cultural beliefs and social barriers limiting the spectacle use. Early screenings are important to detect the uncorrected refractive error.

Keywords: Refractive error; Spectacle; Myopia; Hyperopia; Astigmatism; Visual impairment