Visual Acuity in Medical and Nurse Student

Yani Chiemchaisri M.D., F.A.C.S.,
Panida Kosrirukvongs M.D.,
Pramote Dumavihat M.D., Dr. Med. (Bonn) F.I.C.S.
Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University

ABSTRACT The authors retrospectively studied the incidence of abnormal visual acuity and correction in medical and nursing student after passing the entrance examination and general physical check up in 1988 – 1991 by Snellen chart.

The result revealed that 36.1 percent of 1,688 cases were mean age 17.6 + 3.0 years (+ SD.), abnormal visual acuity 42 percent and 33.7 percent corrected. Siriraj and Chiengmai medical student had abnormal visual acuity and correction greater than nursing student with statistically significant difference (P < 0.0001).The trend of abnormal sex and right or left eye was found. In comparison with normal and abnormal visual acuity by mean entrance score of Siriraj medical student was nearly the same. We concluded that prolong nearwork was not the only factor to influence myopic changes. 

Thai J Ophthalmol 1991 ; July – December 5 (2) : 121 – 128