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Abstract
Background: The common causes of visual impairment in children are amblyopia, uncorrected refractive errors such as myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism. More often, students in madrasas spend more hours in near-point activities and therefore constitute a population with high risk for developing vision disorders with different illumination conditions.
Purpose: This review highlights the frequency and prevalence of amblyopia and types of refractive errors in madrasa students, emphasizing the importance of vision testing and the impact and effect of environmental factors on the visual health of madrasa students.
Materials and Methods: The madrasa students were gone through ophthalmic examinations using the eye examination instruments like Trial Box, Snellen chart, Ishihara plates, and Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity chart. Data collection was done and recorded through a structured proforma on the frequency and prevalence of types of refractive errors and amblyopia in madrasa student population.
Results: This article review indicated that the frequency and prevalence of myopia was higher in madrasa students as compared to hypermetropia, astigmatism, and amblyopia. The most common refractive error was myopia (31.1%) then astigmatism (14.9%) and hyperopia (3.5%). 8.1% of the students were diagnosed with amblyopia. Most students had normal vision, though a small percentage showed moderate impairment. Spectacle use was low despite the presence of refractive errors. Environmental and behavioral factors such as inadequate lighting and shorter reading distances were commonly reported.
Conclusion: The included studies concludes that myopia is the most prevalent refractive error among madrasa students, followed by amblyopia at a significant rate. Undesirable environmental and behavioral factors contribute significantly to these visual problems, such as inadequate lighting, short distances of reading, and the continuous performance of near-work activities. Regular vision screening programs, better illumination of classrooms, and creating awareness about visual hygiene can help reduce the burden of undiagnosed refractive errors and amblyopia in madrasa communities.