Surveillance for low vision in students in Taizhou, Zhejiang, 2020

  Objective  To understand the prevalence of low vision in students in Taizhou, Zhejiang province, and provide evidence for the further prevention and control of low vision.

  Methods  From September to October 2020, visual acuity, height and weight tests were conducted in students in Taizhou selected through stratified cluster sampling.

  Results  The overall rate of low vision in 30 062 students in Taizhou was 74.2%. The rate was 77.0% in girls, higher than that in boys (71.8%). The rates of light, moderate or severe low vision were 18.0%, 11.9% and 44.3%, respectively. With the increase of school grade, the rate of low vision increased. Body mass index was associated with low vision in the students.

  Conclusion  The prevalence of low vision in the students in Taizhou was considered to be high. Severe low vision was the main type in junior and senior high school students. The low vision rate increased with the increase of grade. In addition, overweight and obesity were risk factors for low vision. Students in grade 5−6 and middle schools are at the important stages of vision development. It is necessary to strengthen the surveillance and intervention in students.