Refractive errors among commercial drivers.

PURPOSE: To determine the pattern of refractive error among commercial drivers in north India.

METHODS

Descriptive study with convenient sampling conducted among commercial drivers of north India.

RESULTS

A total of 213 (75.8%) heavy-vehicle and 68 (24.2%) light-vehicle drivers were screened for eye diseases. Refractive error for distance was reported in 44 (15.7%; 95% CI: 11.6-20.4) drivers. Hyperopia was reported in 23 (8.2%; 95% CI: 5.2-12) drivers, followed by myopia in 15 (5.3%; 95% CI: 3-8.6) drivers and astigmatism in six (2.1%; 95% CI: 0.7-4.5) drivers. Presbyopia was reported in 157 (55.8%) drivers. Dry eye was reported in 70 (24.9%), stereo deficiency in 77 (27.4%), and color vision deficiency in 11 (3.9%) drivers. Three drivers were diagnosed with cataract, and two were referred for retina evaluation.

CONCLUSION

Hyperopia in both eyes was the most common refractive error. Dry eye disease and color vision deficiency were also reported. Most of the drivers were not using spectacles for refractive error correction. Due to their mobile nature, drivers with cataract and retina diseases did not turn up for follow-up.