DR. HAIMANTI CHOUDHURY

DR. CHOUDHURY HIRENDRA KUMAR, DR. HIMADRI CHOUDHURY

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the effect of online classes on refractive status of children after COVID home quarantine.

Method: Prospective study in school children of 6-16 years.Questionnaire in google forms posted in whatsapp groups of Classes I – X (2 sections) of leading private school.Parents took the survey.Age of child,glass user or not,history of myopia in family,time spent in front of screen,device used for online class,time spent in outdoor activities,glass power of child before & after online classes were noted.

Results: 52.6% parents took the survey.Mean age of student 13.24± 3.7 years.Prior to online education, 3.07% of Classes I-V & 7.69% of Classes VI – X were glass users.Average screen time was 4.6±1.37 hours/day.Time spent in outdoor activities was < 2 hours/day for 65.7%. After online classes,glass users in Class I-V are 6.15%, in Class VI-X are 12.3%. Conclusion:Home quarantine & excess screen time has led to surge in refractive error (mainly myopia) in school children.