AIM: To investigate the prevalence of poor vision and ametropia and main influencing factors of myopia of primary and secondary school students in Xiangtan, providing scientific basis for prevention and control of myopia among primary and secondary school students.

METHODS:Cluster random sampling was performed. 6 164 samples were randomly chosen to be tested for uncorrected visual acuity, corrected visual acuity and eye position, and among those whose uncorrected far visual acuity of either eyes below 5.0, refractive power of both eyes were further tested. Self-questionnaire was designed to understand the influencing factors of myopia.

RESULTS: Among 6 164 samples, the rate of presenting visual acuity below 5.0 is 40.3%(1 249/3 099)for male and 43.8%(1 343/3 065)for female respectively(P<0.01). The prevalence of myopia is 59.1% for male and 68.7% for female respectively(P<0.01). The prevalence of myopia is 44.1% for primary school students and 71.3% for secondary school students; the prevalence of hyperopia is 3% for primary school students and 1.7% for secondary school students. Multivariate regression analysis showed that, homework time(>2h), average sleeping time(≤8h)and myopic parents are independent risk factors(OR=1.48, 1.55, 1.26, 1.58, 2.13,all P<0.05)for myopia of primary and secondary school students.

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of visual impairment and myopia for primary and secondary school students in Xiangtan are high, which is influenced by many factors, by which should be intervened comprehensively.