AIM: To investigate the status of eyesight dysfunction among primary and secondary school students in the city of Xi'an, so as to provide scientific evidence for vision protection.

METHODS: Eyesight test was performed among 3 869 students(7 738 eyes)which were selected by multistage sampling. According to the diagnosis criterion of eyesight dysfunction, the students were classified as normal, slight, moderate, and severe group. The data were inputted into a database set up by EpiData 3.1 and analyzed by SPSS 18.0.

RESULTS: The rate of eyesight dysfunction among primary and secondary school students in the city of Xi'an was 54.9%,and most students were with severe eyesight dysfunction. The rate increased with the age and grade, the rate of girls was significantly higher than that of boys(χ²=63.19, P<0.01). The rate of students of urban was significantly higher than that of rural(χ²=547.53, P<0.01).

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of eyesight dysfunction is still apparent in primary and secondary school students in the city of Xi'an. Effective measures should be implemented to prevent and reduce the incidence of eyesight dysfunction.