Research

The Prevalence of Refractive Errors and Spectacle Uptake in Truck Drivers: A North Indian Cross-Sectional Study

  • This study analyzes the prevalence and types of refractive errors among truck drivers, as well as their uptake of glasses.

  • Retrospective cross-sectional study of data collected between July 2017 and June 2018, through eye camps held across the national capital region.

  • An optometrist conducted a comprehensive eye examination.

  • Refractive error was defined as myopia (spherical equivalent of at least −0.5 diopter [D]), hyperopia (spherical equivalent of at least +0.5 D), or astigmatism (only cylinder of 0.5 D or more).

  • Drivers requiring spectacles to read at a normal distance (35–40 cm) were categorized as having presbyopia.

  • Those needing both distance and near vision correction were analyzed separately.

  • Data were analyzed for the prevalence of refractive errors and its types.

  • Spectacles uptake and its association with age categories, number of affected eyes, type and severity of refractive errors were analyzed.

  • Statistical analysis was carried out using R software version 3.1.1 and Excel 2013.

  • Refractive error (including presbyopia) was over 26% in the 4059 truck drivers screened.

  • 8.8% needed distance correction, 24.3% needed near correction and 6.6% needed both, at least in one eye.

  • Uptake was only 47% among those prescribed glasses and was higher among drivers requiring only near correction.

  • The study highlights the importance of eye examination among truckers.

  • There is a need to increase the uptake of spectacles by increasing awareness and developing better models of spectacle delivery.

Publication date

August 24, 2021

Publication

Journal of Clinical Ophthalmology & Research

Authors

Shalinder Sabherwal, Ishaana Sood, Anand Chinnakaran, Atanu Majumdar, Shantanu Dasgupta
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