Abstract:Background: Visual impairment is a condition characterized by a significant decrease in visual acuity or a reduction in the field of vision, potentially leading to blindness. The most common cause of visual impairment worldwide is uncorrected refractive errors. The prevalence of refractive errors in children is projected to increase to 275 million by 2050, which could hinder the learning process and negatively impact the quality of life of future generations.
Objective: To describe the characteristics of pediatric patients with refractive errors at the Eye Clinic of Wijaya Kusuma Hospital, Lumajang, in 2023-2024.
Method: This study is a retrospective descriptive study, utilizing medical record data of children diagnosed with refractive errors at the Eye Clinic of Wijaya Kusuma Hospital from 2023 to 2024.
Results: The most common refractive error found was astigmatism, accounting for 179 eyes (89.5%), with a higher prevalence in females (58%). The most affected age group was 10-14 years (50 children, 50%). Amblyopia was present in only 34 eyes (17%).
Conclusion: Astigmatism was the most prevalent refractive error, while only a small proportion of cases had amblyopia.
