ArticleSaudi journal of ophthalmology : official journal of the Saudi Ophthalmological Society
The prevalence and predictors of refractive error among school children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Article in Saudi journal of ophthalmology : official journal of the Saudi Ophthalmological Society. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 7 papers, 2 of them syntheses that pooled it.
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Who cites it
7 citing papers in PubMed, 2 syntheses or guidelines pooled it, 8 citations in OpenAlex.
- Association of physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleep and myopia in children and adolescents: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.BMC public health · 2025Pooled it
- Myopia and Near Work: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.International journal of environmental research and public health · 2023Pooled it
- Refractive Error Patterns and the Impact of Cycloplegia in Ametropic Children and Adolescents in Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia.Clinical optometry · 2026Article
- Prevalence of Refractive Errors Among School-Age Children and Adolescents in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Clinical ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.) · 2025Review
- Parents' Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Pediatric Ophthalmic Disorders in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.Pediatric reports · 2024Article
- Determinants of Health Care Needs in Relation to Vision Correction among Adolescents in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study.International journal of environmental research and public health · 2023Article
- Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
11 authors at 7 institutions in 2 countries.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
purposeRefractive error (RE) is one of the most common ocular disorders among children worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of RE and possible risk factors among school children in Riyadh.
methodsThis is a cross-sectional study using data collected at various schools. To achieve the aim of the study, we selected a random sample of 850 school children aged 6-15 years. The examination was based on the RESC protocol and included full visual assessment. Furthermore, a questionnaire was sent to the parents of the participants to ascertain information about lifestyle factors. We constructed a logistic regression model to evaluate the predictors of RE.
resultsClose to a third of the children had a RE. Of those identified as having the condition, 60% did not wear glasses (newly diagnosed). Nearly all the children (95.4%) in our sample reported using electronic devices, according to parents. No association was found between using electronic devices and having a RE (
conclusionWe found a higher prevalence of uncorrected RE than previously reported in other Saudi studies. About 60% of children who had RE were not wearing glasses, highlighting the need for a standardized school screening program for early detection and management. Outdoor activities were associated with a lower likelihood of having a RE. These findings might support initiatives to encourage outdoor activities among school children.
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