Refraction characteristics of the vision organ of school children living and studying in the area with high intensity of automobile traffic

Aim. To conduct an analysis of the refraction of the vision organ of school children living and studying in an area with high intensity of automobile traffic, and in children living in a more environmentally clean area. Methods. The investigation of eye refraction in 62 children (124 eyes) of school age, living and studying in an area with high intensity of automobile traffic. Hygienic assessment of the environment in the study areas. Results. In the majority of the school children living and studying in an area with high intensity of automobile traffic a myopic refraction was revealed in contrast to the control area, where the frequency of myopia was less. The obtained data on the frequency of myopic refractive disorders in the children’s population were above the average statistics for the Russian Federation. A significant relationship between the nature and intensity of air pollution and the occurrence of myopia in children was established. We assume that one of the risk factors for myopia development is air pollution emissions by a complex of hazardous substances. Conclusion. Prophylaxis of eye diseases of children living in ecologically unfavorable areas of large cities is much needed; therapeutic measures for vision organ dysfunctions of this cohort should be implemented taking into account the influence of adverse environmental factors.

atmospheric air, motor vehicle emissions, refraction, myopia