Abstract:
Refractive errors is general term used to describe the glasses prescription of eye. Refractive errors are
becoming more of problem in many societies, with prevalence rates of myopia in many Asian urban countries
reaching epidemic proportion. This study aims to determine the prevalence rates of various refractive errors and
to quantify the association refractive errors with school achievement and near work in Riau University medical
students. Refractive error measurements were determined with Snellen eye chart and trial lens set. Near work
profile and additional demographical data was obtained via questionnaires filed in by the students. School
achievement were determined with student's GPA. 242 second, three*, and four* year medical students of Riau
University were examinated, the prevalence rate of refractive errors in Riau University medical students was 33,9
% (82 students), consist of myopia 92,8 % (76 students), hyperopia 1, 22% (1 student), and astigmatism 6,09 %
(5 students). 82 refractive error students as cases group compare to 82 emmetropic students as control group.
This study showed that high significant association refractive errors with near work profile and no significant
association refractive errors with school achievement. Students with refractive errors more likely to have risk near
work profile than emmetropic students (x^test P < 0,001) with odds ratio 5,26. Students with refractive errors
more likely to have high GPA than emmetropic students (OR 1,34) but interaction between refractive errors and
school achievement were not significant (x^ test p< 0,05).
