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. 2025 Jul 4;17(7):e87281.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.87281. eCollection 2025 Jul.

Prevalence of Vision Problems and Associated Risk Factors Among Secondary Government School Girls: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study in Western Maharashtra, India

Pooja S Sohil  1 , Sudhanshu A Mahajan  1 , Sumeet M Vaidya  1 , Rupeshkumar B Deshmukh  1 , Saibal Adhya  1
Affiliations

Prevalence of Vision Problems and Associated Risk Factors Among Secondary Government School Girls: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study in Western Maharashtra, India

Pooja S Sohil et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Background: Visual health is crucial for academic and psychosocial development in school children. The increasing use of digital devices and reduced outdoor activities post-COVID-19 have contributed to rising vision problems, especially in school children. However, there is still limited data available from urban government schools in India.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 girls from 8th and 9th grades in a randomly selected government girls' school under the Urban Health Training Centre in Pune, Western Maharashtra. Vision screening was performed using Snellen charts, and socio-demographic data were collected through a validated, pretested questionnaire. Data collection included face-to-face interviews and vision problems checked by ophthalmology residents. Associations between vision problems and risk factors were assessed using chi-square tests and odds ratios; a p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The prevalence of abnormal visual acuity overall was 168 (40%), with 67 (16%) mild, 92 (22%) moderate, and 9 (2%) severe. Key risk factors included frequent eye rubbing, excessive blinking, and inadequate lighting at home, all significantly associated with poor visual acuity (p<0.05). Among students with vision acuity, 53 (31.5%) were reluctant to wear spectacles. Additionally, awareness among parents, affordability, and accessibility also emerged as notable barriers to the utilization of eye health services.

Conclusion: A structured school-based eye health program is crucial for early detection, educating parents, and ensuring equal access to vision care, thereby reducing preventable visual acuity issues among school girls in India.

Keywords: government schools; prevalence; pune; risk factors; vision problems; visual acuity.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Informed consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University Medical college Pune issued approval BVDUMC/IEC/75/25-26. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Prevalence of vision problems in secondary school girls (n=420)
Figure 2
Figure 2. Prevalence of visual acuity of the worst eye in secondary school girls (n=420)
Figure 3
Figure 3. Strength of association between risk factors and visual acuity in secondary school girls (n=420)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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