Refractive error change and its association with ocular and general parameters in junior high school students in Taiwan.

Abstract

To assess the relationships between refractive error and ocular and general parameters in Taiwanese junior high school students and to identify the predictive factors associated with the changes in refractive error. This was a prospective, school-based study. A total of 687 students (357 boys and 330 girls) from a municipal junior high school in Taipei were enrolled. The students' refractive status, intraocular pressure, and ocular parameters were measured first in 2010 and again 1year later. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression models and generalized estimating equations (GEEs). Significant differences were found between the baseline (2010) and 1-year follow-up (2011) mean anterior chamber depths, mean axial lengths, and mean horizontal and vertical corneal refractive powers. GEE models revealed that vertical and horizontal corneal refractive powers, axial length, and anterior chamber depth were significantly associated with refractive error change. Students with a longer axial length, steeper corneal radius, and shallower anterior chamber depth had an increased risk of myopic refractive errors.