Abstract
Aims/Purpose: To investigate the prevalence of refractive errors in Greek children aged 6 months to 16 years old.Methods: This retrospective study included patients examined at the outpatient clinic of Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital from October 2022 to October 2023. Data collected included gender, age, cycloplegic refractive error, presence of strabismus, and use of spectacles. Patients were grouped by age: preschool (6 months to 6 years), school age (7 to 12 years), and adolescents (13 to 16 years).Results: Data from 1,132 children were analyzed (mean age: 6 years; 53% males). Hyperopia was the most common refractive error across the sample (82%). The prevalence of hyperopia decreased across age groups: preschool (92%), school age (82%), and adolescents (61%). Myopia showed an increasing trend with age: preschool (7%), school age (18%), and adolescents (40%) and was more prevalent in females (52%). Astigmatism was significantly more common in girls, with boys having a 7% lower probability of astigmatism (p < 0.05). Strabismus was present in 16% of the total sample and was significantly more frequent in the school‐age group (p < 0.001).Conclusions: The study demonstrated the distribution of refractive errors by age and gender in a large cohort of Greek children. Regular ophthalmological screenings and school‐based eye examinations are recommended for early detection and correction of refractive errors.
Published Version
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