The age- and gender-specific prevalences of refractive errors in Tehran: the Tehran Eye Study

Abstract

purpose To determine the age- and gender-specific prevalences of refractive errors in Tehran through a population-based study.methods A total of 6497 citizens representing a cross-section of the population of Tehran were sampled from 160 clusters using a stratified, random, cluster sampling strategy. Eligible people were enumerated through a door-to-door household survey in the selected clusters and were invited to participate. All participants were transferred to a clinic for an extensive eye examination and interview. Refractive error was determined using manifest and cycloplegic refraction. Myopia was defined as the spherical equivalent of −0.5 diopters (D) or more and hyperopia was defined as the spherical equivalent of more than +0.5 D.results Of those sampled, 4565 (70.3%) people participated in the study. Refraction data for 4354 participants aged five years and over are presented. The age- and gender-standardized prevalence of myopia based on manifest refraction was 21.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 20.1 to 23.5) and that for hyperopia was 26.0% (95% CI, 24.5 to 27.6). The prevalences based on cycloplegic refraction were 17.2% (95% CI, 15.6 to 18.8) and 56.6% (95% CI, 54.7 to 58.6), respectively. Prevalences of myopia and hyperopia differed significantly among the age and gender groups (P < 0.001). Astigmatism of 0.75 cylinder diopter or greater was present in 29.6% (95% CI, 28.0 to 31.3) of right eyes with manifest refraction and in 30.3% (95% CI, 28.5 to 32.1) with cycloplegic refraction. Among the study population, 6.1% (95% CI, 5.3 to 6.8%) had anisometropia of 1 D or more.conclusions This report has provided details of the refractive status in the population. We have documented prevalences of myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and anisometropia by age and gender, identifying more affected age- and gender-groups for prevention programs in the community.