Dr. RISHIKESH MAYEE

Abstract

The present study was done to analyse the changes in refractive errors in children due to increased online activity. The refractive changes in the pre-pandemic period with those during pandemic period were compared.Age range was 5-17 years at first visit (mean 10.07 years). Mean followup was 26.27months. 90 children (M:F 45:45)were analysed. 61 myopes and 29 hyperopes. Spherical equivalent was used for analysis. Average refractive change in pandemic (0.447DS) was more than prepandemic period (0.325DS). For pandemic period, refractive change was more in boys (0.527DS) than girls (0.34DS), more in myopes (0.451DS) than hyperopes (0.319DS), and maximum in age range 11-15 years(0.808DS). For patients on diluted atropine (0.01%), average refractive change in pandemic (0.8DS) was more than prepandemic period (0.5DS). All the differences were statistically significant. The results show that lack of outdoor activity during pandemic period certainly speeds up the myopic shift in children.

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