Assessment Of Refractive Error Among Zari Artisans Of Uttar Pradesh

The study aims to assess the prevalence and types of refractive errors among zari artisans in Uttar Pradesh, India. The Zari artisans perform incredibly intricate hand embroidery that requires prolonged periods of near-vision focus and is often done in despicably low-lighting conditions. Due to the characteristics of their work, they are open to developing several visual defects, especially uncorrected refractive errors, which further affect their work performance and quality of life adversely. A survey was a cross-sectional survey conducted among 150 Zari artisans across key districts, including Varanasi, Lucknow, and Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh. They were subjected to complete eye examination, which included visual acuity, retinoscopy, and subjective refraction testing. In fact, more than 42% artisans had uncorrected refractive error, with myopia and presbyopia being the prevalent types. The older artisans and those with more than 10 years of work experience had a higher prevalence of these conditions. Besides, poor access to eye care services and lack of awareness about refractive errors were important barriers to corrective treatment. The findings of this study emphasize the urgent need for regular vision screening programs and affordable corrective measures to addressing the visual health problems of Zari artisans. The launch of these mechanisms through support and awareness can, in one way or another, boost artisans' productivity while preventing permanent vision problems that could further cascade towards accommodating some health hazards incumbenent within such a traditional industry.