Eyesight problems in adolescent population: is it genetic or lifestyle or both - A survey-based analysis

Abstract

The eyes are the windows to our soul. We have been gifted with the beautiful power of eyesight to see the wonders in front of us.  The eyes are the second evolved or developed unique sense organ next to olfaction in animals. For animals, it serves to locate food, and also to spot the approaching predator or prey. Apart from these aspects as far as the humans are concerned, their eyes serve several purposes apart from the said purposes. Eyes are unique and specialized to accommodate both light and dark fields, black/white and colour images, near and far objects etc. Since it is extensively used, it can become less functioning or even worse, depending on several conditions. Sadly, the eyesight problems are very common disorders which affect all age groups. There are many reasons for their occurrence. The purpose of our study is to find out the cause of eyesight problems among the adolescent population. A self-prepared questionnaire comprising ten questions was prepared and circulated among the participants. The results were collected and analyzed. 64% of participants had eyesight problems, while 36% did not have any such problems. 31% had eyesight problems since birth. Upon analyzing the results, it can be said that the prevalence of eyesight problems among adolescents is pretty high, and they are mostly caused due to lifestyle patterns.