Visual Impairment, Spectacle Wear and Academic Performance among Junior High School Students in Western China

摘要

Purpose: To assess the prevalence and academic impact of visual impairment and spectacle wear among rural junior high school students in western China. Methods: In September 2013, 2248 students from 36 junior high schools in Shaanxi Province underwent assessment of visual acuity (VA), completed a questionnaire about their spectacle use and were administered a standardized mathematics examination. Results: Among 2248 students, visual impairment was about 31% (699/2248). Spectacle wear was observed 37% (360/966) children needing glasses. Ownership of spectacles among children needing glasses was associated with poorer uncorrected vision in the better-seeing eye ( P < 0.001) and paternal educational ( P = 0.001), but not age, sex, boarding at school, both parents having out-migrated for work or maternal education. Spectacle ownership among children with visual impairment was associated with better test performance ( P = 0.035). Conclusion: Visual impairment and non-wear of spectacle were common. Wearing spectacles was associated with better academic performance in this cross-sectional analysis, consistent with recent trial results among younger children.