FREQUENCY OF CORRECTION OF REFRACTIVE ERROR THROUGH REFRACTIVE SURGERIES AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS OF PESHAWAR

Background and Objectives: Visual impairment due to refractive error (RE) affects a global population of approximately 2.2 billion individuals. Contact lenses and refractive surgeries (RS) exist for correction, but the most accessible and non-invasive choice remains glasses. Although the factors for not opting for RS remain a mystery. This study examines the frequency of correction of RE through RS among medical students of Peshawar and the reasoning behind medical students not opting for RS. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate medical students in Peshawar. A total of 202 students were recruited through purposeful sampling. Students from the first year to the final year who consented to participate were included. Data were collected using a self-validated questionnaire. Results: The study revealed that 128 students had a refractive error (RE) in 202, of which 25% of students with RE considered refractive surgery (RS) (p=0.026, q=0.319), with LASIK being the most common procedure at 46.8%. Regarding institutional affiliation, the consideration for RS was significantly higher among private institutions (25.8% vs. 9.3%, p=0.026). Barriers to RS included satisfaction with eyeglasses (41.6%). Conclusion: The high prevalence of RS consideration signifies a strong trust and preference for permanent correction. Advancements in surgical techniques, increased awareness, and a heightened sense of aesthetics may be contributing factors. Keywords: Refractive error, Refractive Surgery, Eyesight.