Affiliations 

  • 1 Management and Science University
MyJurnal

Abstract

This study aims to determine the refractive error status of Orang Asli children and Malay-Jawa children in Kuala Langat, Selangor. Visual acuity was measured using LEA chart, followed by dry static retinoscopy which the testing eye fogged with 2.00D, and the contralateral eye fogged with 6.00D to determine the refractive errors. The inclusion criteria encompassed all children in the selected village. The exclusion criteria included children who were already on ophthalmology follow-up for known ocular conditions and refused visual acuity assessment or eye examination. In total, 103 ‘Orang Asli’ and 107 normal population children aged 3 to 13 years received refractive assessments. Approximately 18% of reported cases were myopia, 43% were hyperopia, while 39% were emmetropia. Results showed that the ‘Orang Asli’ population was more hyperopic than the Malay-Jawa (U = 4893.500, P > 0.05, r = 0.14). However, both groups were found more hyperopic compared to myopic conditions. In conclusion, both Orang Asli and Malay-Jawa in Kuala Langat, Selangor are more hyperopic and less myopic. This study suggests that refractive error screening is important for preventing visual impairment among children in rural areas.