Abstract:

Objective: Refractive error and malnourishment both are common issues in developing countries therefore in this study main aim is to find the relationship between refractive state and nutritional status. Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted at Tehsil Headquarter Hospital Kamoke. The sample size was 200 children equally divided into well-nourished and malnourished groups with their age range between 3-12 years of both gender. First visual acuity was measured monocularly with Snellen’s Chart The amount and type of refractive error were assessed using cycloplegic refraction with cyclopentolate 1% eye drops. Eyes with amblyopia, strabismus and any other ocular pathology that affects vision were excluded. All children were referred from eye department to the nutritionist of this hospital to determine the nutritional status through WHO provided guidelines. Results: There were a total of 101 (50.5%) males and 99 (49.5%) females in this study. The most common type of refractive error was Astigmatism which was present in 29 (29%) well-nourished and 31 (31%) malnourished children. The least common was hypermetropia which was present in only 3 children and all were females. However, myopia was present in 12 (12%) well-nourished and 11 (11%) malnourished children. Conclusion: Thus, Refractive errors were present in both groups. The most common was Astigmatism and the least common was hypermetropia in both groups. The inferential statistics of this study concluded that refractive errors were not related with nutritional status but may be due to some factors.

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