Prevalence Of Refractive Errors Research Articles

Refractive errors, road traffic accidents and long-term spectacle compliance amongst commercial taxi drivers in a major North-East Indian city.

Purpose:To assess the prevalence of refractive error (RE) and its association with road traffic accidents (RTAs) and the subsequent long-term spectacle compliance and adherence to suggested appropriate strategies In Shillong, India.Methods:This prospective study was conducted between July and October 2019 among commercial taxi drivers (CTDs), with follow-up interviews conducted with a subset of respondents to assess long-term spectacle compliance after a year. Gross ophthalmologic examination was performed, including visual acuity and refraction. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were conducted to assess the association between the type of REs, spectacle compliance, and selected sociodemographic and clinical variables. Multiple logistic regression was performed for analysis of the association between RTAs and sociodemographic, clinical, and work characteristics variables.Results:A total of 382 (95.5%) CTDs completed interviews and gross eye examination. The prevalence of any RE in the worst eye was 28.8% (95% CI: 24.3–33.6). Presbyopia with or without distance vision was the commonest type of RE with 21.7% (95% CI: 17.7%–26.2). Among those who were prescribed spectacles, 70.5% needed near correction. Drivers with RE were nearly two times (OR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.4–5.1) more likely to be involved in RTAs compared to those without any RE. Long-term spectacle compliance was at 40.9%. The predominant barrier reported for spectacle compliance was “can manage well without spectacles.”Conclusion:This survey has demonstrated a significant relationship between poor vision and occurrence of RTAs. There is an urgent need for tailor-made targeted interventions to address the eye health needs of CTDs in India.

Myopia prevalence in school-aged children in Garki District of Abuja, Nigeria

Background: Prevalence of myopia is increasing globally, hence it poses a significant public health risk due to the association of high myopia with debilitating eye disorders.Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of myopia in school children.Setting: The study was conducted in primary and secondary schools in Garki district, Abuja, Nigeria.Methods: A cross-sectional, multistage, random sampling involving 1028 school children (aged 5–14 years), comprising 484 boys (47.1%) and 544 girls (52.9%), was conducted. Examination performed included visual acuities, pen torch and ophthalmoscopy examination of the anterior and posterior segments, retinoscopy under cycloplegia and subjective refraction.Results: The prevalence of myopia (−0.50 dioptre [D] or more) in this study was 3.5%. Approximately 3.4% of the children had mild myopia (−0.50 to −3.00 D), 0.1% had moderate myopia (−3.25 D to −6.00 D) and none had high myopia. Myopia ranged from −0.50 D to −4.25 D. The mean spherical equivalent for myopia (right eye) was −1.11 D. The prevalence of hyperopia, astigmatism and amblyopia was 5.8%, 1.9% and 0.7%, respectively. Overall, the prevalence of refractive error was 11.2%.Conclusion: The prevalence of myopia is relatively low in a sample of school children in Garki district of Abuja, Nigeria. However, the majority of myopic children in this study without spectacles (88.9%) are a cause for concern, which could reflect the low usage of refractive error services among school children in the district.

Prevalence of Refractive Error in School Children in Suining City of Sichuan Province, China: A School-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective To investigate the prevalence of refractive errors among school children in Suining City, Sichuan Province, and to provide a scientific basis for prevention and control of myopia. Methods This was a school-based cross-sectional study. Children aged 6-15 years were selected from kindergartens, primary schools, and middle schools in the urban setting of Suining City. The children underwent ocular examination including measurement of uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), visual acuity when wearing glasses, and noncycloplegic autorefractometry. Results Of the 1200 eligible students, 1138 children (94.8%), 553 of them girls (47.4%), participated. The mean age was 10.64 ± 2.89 years. The prevalence of myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and emmetropia was 59.1% (95% confidence interval (CI): 57.6, 60.5), 5.0% (95% CI: 4.7, 6.1), 38.4% (95% CI: 55.5, 58.5), and 25% (95% CI: 23.7, 26.2), respectively. In univariate analysis, the prevalence of myopia was correlated with age, female gender, and learning stage. The prevalence of hyperopia and astigmatism was correlated with age and learning stage. The prevalence of mild myopia, moderate myopia, and high myopia in the 1138 students was 17.7%, 41.4%, and 3.3%, respectively. The prevalence of mild, moderate, and high myopia all increased with age and learning stage. The prevalence of myopia differed by gender. The mean spherical equivalents of the right and left eyes were −1.40 ± 1.99 diopters (D) and −1.29 ± 1.93 D, respectively, and the median values were -0.75 D and -0.6 D, respectively. The mean spherical equivalent increased with age, learning stage, and female gender. Conclusions The most common type of refractive error was myopia which was associated with higher age, female gender, and higher learning stage. This study provides new data and recommendations for myopia-control in school-aged children in Sichuan province.

An epidemiologic analysis of the association between eyelid disorders and ocular motility disorders in pediatric age

Aim of the study was to assess: (a) the prevalence and type of strabismus, ptosis and eyelid dynamic disorders features, (b) the prevalence of refractive errors, amblyopia and, (c) their association with ocular/systemic syndromes in a cohort of patients. This is a retrospective observational multicenter cohort study. Patients with coexisting ocular motility disorders, comitant and incomitant strabismus, ptosis and dynamic eyelid disorders who have never undergone surgery were enrolled throughout a 3-years a study period. 137 out of 19,089 patients were enrolled, of which 97 with uniocular and 40 with binocular disease. Isolated congenital ptosis was observed in 84 patients. A polymalformative syndrome was present in almost one third of cases, whilst among strabismus type, esotropia was slightly more prevalent. Most patients were hypermetropic. In monocular disease, myopia mainly affected older patients, who were characterized by a worse ptosis margin reflex distance and levator function, and significantly higher astigmatism. Amblyopia occurred in 67.4% of the study sub-population. Of note, in monocular disease this was mild in 25.8%, moderate in 24.2% and severe in 11.3% of cases, whilst in binocular disease it was mild in 25%, moderate in 41.7% and severe in 16.7%. All patients with coexisting eyelid and ocular motility dysfunctions in pediatric age need ophthalmologic and systemic evaluation to accurately assess amblyopia, refractive errors and systemic/ocular disorders.

Prevalence and inconformity of refractive errors and ocular biometry of 3573 medical university freshman students for 4 consecutive years.

To evaluate the prevalence of refractive errors and ocular biometry in 3573 freshman students at Tianjin Medical University for 4 consecutive years. In this university-based, cross-sectional study, comprising 3573 students, visual acuity (VA), slit-lamp examination, non-cycloplegic auto-refraction, and ocular biometry were recorded. The prevalence of myopia increased annually, from 2017 to 2020 were 93.5%, 94.5%, 95.9%, and 96.2%, respectively (P=0.03), and the prevalence of high myopia was 25.7%, 26.9%, 28.6%, and 28.6%, respectively. Males tended to have a higher percentage of total astigmatism than females, with astigmatism ≥0.75 and ≥1.0 D criteria. The percentage of with-the-rule astigmatism, against-the-rule astigmatism, and oblique astigmatism was 90.3%, 5.8%, and 3.9%, respectively, with astigmatism ≥1.00 D criteria. The mean spherical equivalent, axial length (AL), central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT), corneal radius (CR), and lens position (LP) were 4.37±2.52 D, 25.28±1.24 mm, 539.49±34.98 µm, 3.31±0.34 mm, 3.47±0.21 mm, 7.8±0.28 mm, and 5.04±0.32 mm, respectively. With diopter increase in myopia, the AL became longer, CR became steeper, ACD became deeper, LT became thinner, and LP became more posterior (all P<0.01). Females had a shorter AL, thinner CCT, smaller CR, shallower ACD, thicker lens, and more anterior LP than males (P<0.01). The 64% of high myopia had AL≥26 mm, meanwhile, 5.8% mild myopia and 21.1% moderate myopia had AL≥26 mm. With AL≥26 mm, mild and moderate myopia compared to high myopia, AL was shorter (26.51±0.46 vs 26.87±0.70 mm), CR was larger (8.10±0.3 vs 7.85±0.23 mm) and LT was thinner (3.39±0.19 vs 3.45±0.19 mm, P<0.001). The prevalence of myopia and high myopia is significantly high in freshman students. The majority of astigmatism is with-the-rule. Inconformity of refractive errors and ocular biometry existed in some students. Attention should be paid to the ocular biometry of myopia.

Impact of Refractive Errors on the Academic Performance of High School Children of Lahore.

IntroductionThe process of learning begins in childhood and accurate vision can greatly affects a child's learning capacity. It is documented that visual impairment in children can have a significant impact on their performance at school as well as their social interaction and development.ObjectiveThis research aimed to study the impact of refractive corrections on the academic performance of high school children in Lahore.MethodologyA total of 2,000 students with equal distribution of gender, public, private school, and locality were included in the study. All students were screened for defective vision. The academic performance before and after corrections was recorded on the prescribed proforma.ResultsThe prevalence of refractive error was high among the public high schools 244 (59.2%) as compared to the private schools 168 (40.8%). The area-based prevalence was higher among the students in urban settings 255 (62%) while in rural it was 157 (38%). It was found that in the public sector, the average score of academic results before the intervention was 56.39 ± 13.24 which was increased to 60.27 ± 14.94 after the intervention while in the private sector, before the intervention, the average score was 63.53 ± 17.50 which was improved to 67.12 ± 18.48. It was found to be statistically significant at p-value < 0.05.ConclusionA significant impact was observed in the average academic scores of the results after refractive corrections.

Refractive Errors and Risk Factors for Myopia in Primary School Students in Urumqi.

Objective To investigate the prevalence of refractive errors and risk factors for myopia in primary school students in Saybag District of Urumqi. Methods A total of 972 primary school students in two elementary schools in Saybag District were included in this study which was conducted from June 2019 to November 2019. Uncorrected visual acuity test and noncycloplegic autorefraction were performed, and their visual acuity was analyzed. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to predict risk factors for myopia. Results Myopia was the most frequent refractive error among primary school students aged 7-11 in Sayibake District, Urumqi City, with a prevalence rate of 60.39%, and mainly mild myopia. The proportion of myopia increased with age, and the proportion of females suffering from myopia was higher than that of males, and the proportion of students from the Han ethnic group suffering from myopia was also higher than that of the other ethnic groups. The students mainly suffered from mild myopia, and the degree of myopia was related to age and gender, regardless of ethnicity. In addition, multivariate regression analysis showed that age and gender were the influencing factors of myopia occurrence and progression ConclusionOur study results showed a significant prevalence of myopia in pupils aged 7-11 years in Saybag District of Urumqi is affected by gender and age and not by ethnicity.

Association of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors with the Risk of Refractive Error in Chinese Urban/Rural Boys and Girls

Background: Research shows physical activity (PA) is negatively associated with refractive error, especially outdoor activity. Our study aimed to examine the association of PA levels and sedentary time (SED) with refractive error in boys and girls living in urban and rural areas. Methods: A total of 8506 urban/rural boys and girls (13.5 ± 2.8 years old) in Shaanxi Province, China participated in this study. Questions about PA, SED, outdoor exercises, and digital screen time were asked in the study survey. Non-cycloplegic refractive error was measured by an autorefractor. The differences between sex/area groups have been analyzed by one-way ANOVA. The association of PA/SED with spherical equivalent (SE) and cylinder power was analyzed by general linear regression. The association between PA/SED and the risk of refractive error was determined using the binary logistic regression model. Results: Of the 8506 participants, the prevalence of refractive error was significantly higher in girls and urban students (p &lt; 0.05). Less SED and digital screen time, and more outdoor activity were significantly associated with SE (p &lt; 0.05), respectively. More PA and less SED were significantly associated with lower cylinder power (p &lt; 0.05), respectively. More PA and less SED were significantly associated with lower risks of myopia and astigmatism, respectively (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: PA and SED were associated with the risk of refractive error. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help to reduce the risk of refractive error in boys and girls.

Defectos de refracción en estudiantes escolares de una institución educativa en Quito, Ecuador

Introducción: Los errores de refracción son un desequilibrio del sistema óptico que se presentan como miopía, hipermetropía, astigmatismo y diplopía. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de los defectos de refracción y la agudeza visual en los estudiantes escolares de una institución educativa en Quito, período académico 2019-2020. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de prevalencia, con una muestra de 174 individuos, seleccionados con un método aleatorio estratificado, utilizando una fórmula de población finita con un nivel de confianza de 95 %, considerando p &lt; 0.05 como significativa. Se aplicó un cuestionario validado, estructurado con 18 preguntas. Además, se ejecutó un examen visual con el autorefractómetro como segundo instrumento. Resultados: Se estableció que el 38,5 % de los estudiantes presentó alteraciones en la salud visual, patología que destacó en los grupos etarios entre 5 a 8 años, con un 43 %, respectivamente. El defecto de refracción más frecuente fue el astigmatismo en un 22,4 %. Los síntomas más frecuentes en los alumnos con alteraciones visuales fueron la lectura lenta en un 43,1 %, dificultad para leer letreros a distancia con un 39,7 %, y un 38,5 % se aproxima al cuaderno para leer o escribir. Conclusión: Se evidenció que la prevalencia de deficiencia visual con defectos de refracción fue de más de un tercio en la población estudiada, con predominancia en el ojo derecho, presentando astigmatismo y/o miopía, alteraciones que al no corregirse oportunamente podrían influir en el rendimiento académico de los escolares. En consecuencia, la prevención oportuna de enfermedades visuales resulta fundamental para el desarrollo del aprendizaje en los estudiantes. Se consideran primarios si tienen origen congénito y no progresivo, mientras que los secundarios se producen a consecuencia de cicatrices, degeneraciones ectasias o posquirúrgicos

Ophthalmological Impairments at Five and a Half Years after Preterm Birth: EPIPAGE-2 Cohort Study.

We report the 51/2 year prevalence of visual and oculomotor impairments in preterm children born at 24–34 weeks’ gestation (WG) using the population-based cohort study EPIPAGE-2, set in France, 2011. The main outcomes were imputed prevalence of refractive errors (REs), strabismus, and binocular visual acuity (VA). Children were clinically assessed by specially trained pediatricians. The population was also analyzed in terms of cerebral palsy at 51/2 years (no CP, stage 1, stage 2, or stage 3–5) and retinopathy of prematurity in the neonatal period (no ROP, stage 1 or 2, or severe ROP). Among the 4441 children included, 2718 (weighted percentage 58.7%) were clinically assessed. REs were reported in 43.1% (95% confidence interval 37.6–48.4), 35.2% (32.7–37.6), and 28.4% (25.0–31.8) of children born at 24–26, 27–31, and 32–34 WG (p < 0.01), respectively; strabismus rates were 19.5% (14.6–24.4), 14.8% (12.9–16.7), and 8.3% (6.2–10.4) (p < 0.001), respectively. Moderate/severe visual deficiencies (VA < 3.2/10) were present in 1.7% (0.2–3.3) of children born at 24–26 WG, and in less than 1% in other groups. A suboptimal VA 5/10–6.3/10 was measured in 40.6% (35.3–45.8) of children born at 24–26 WG, 35.8% (33.5–38.1) at 27–31 WG, and 33.7% (30.4–37.0) at 32–34 WG. CP and ROP were associated with strabismus and RE. The association between CP and VA was strong, while it was not observed for ROP. In this large cohort of preterm-born children, we found a high prevalence of RE and strabismus regardless of WG, supporting the need for specific attention in this population. High prevalence of suboptimal VA could be challenging for these children at the age of reading and writing acquisition.

Assessing the prevalence of refractive errors and accuracy of vision screening by schoolteachers in Liberia.

BackgroundEvidence indicates that school-based vision screening by trained teachers is an effective way of identifying and addressing potential vision problems in schoolchildren. However, inconsistencies have been reported in both the testing methods and accuracy of the screeners. This study assessed the prevalence of refractive errors and accuracy of screening by teachers in Grand Kru County, Liberia.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of data from four schools where, in February 2019, children were screened for refractive errors by trained teachers and then re-examined by ophthalmic technicians. One row of five optotypes of the Snellen 6/9 (0.2 logMar) scale (tumbling E chart) was used at a distance of 3 m. The prevalence of visual impairment and associations with sex, age and school were explored. Sensitivity, specificity and predictive values were calculated.ResultsData were available for 823 of 1095 eligible children with a mean age of 13.7 y (range 5–18) and male:female ratio of 1:0.8. Poor vision was identified in 24 (2.9%) children with no differences by either sex or age but small differences by school. Screening by teachers had a sensitivity of 0.25 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.077 to 0.423) and a specificity of 0.996 (95% CI 0.992 to 1.000). Positive and negative predictive values were 0.667 (95% CI 0.359 to 0.975) and 0.978 (95% CI 0.968 to 0.988), respectively. The results were influenced by a high number of misclassifications in one of the four schools.ConclusionsTeachers can be trained to conduct vision screening tests on schoolchildren to an acceptable level of accuracy, but strong monitoring and quality assurance systems should be built into screening programmes from the onset. In settings like Liberia, where many children do not attend school regularly, screening programmes should extend to community platforms to reach children out of school.

Assessment of Refractive Status of 5-15 Years Old Children Attending Government Schools of Rural Agra

Introduction: In children uncorrected refractive errors have a profound effect on educational and psychosocial development hence it is necessary to estimate the prevalence both at the community and at the school level to aid planning and implementation of refractive error services in children. Objective: To determine the refractive status of 5 to 15 years old children attending government schools of rural areas of district Agra, Uttar Pradesh (UP), India. Method: Study conducted on 902 students of age group 5-15 years of randomly selected government schools of Bichpuri Block of district Agra. Children underwent visual acuity assessment and torch light examination, height and weight measurement. Children with VA ≤6/9 were further examined and cycloplegic retinoscopy, fundus examination, slit lamp examination and post mydriatic refraction was done. On the basis of values of cycloplegic refraction and post mydriatic refraction, refractive error was classified as myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism. Statistical Analysis was done by applying Chi square test. Result: Out of 902 children, 125 children (13.86 %) were having refractive error of which 76 were myopic (8.43%), 39 were astigmatic (4.32%) and 10 were hypermetropic (1.11%). There was an increase in the overall prevalence of refractive error with advancing age. There was no significant association of refractive error with gender and nutritional status. Conclusion: Vision screening of school children is very useful for early detection and correction of refractive errors. Screening of the refractive errors in school should be carried out periodically and regularly.

Magnitude of Prevelance of Refractive Errors in School-age Children: A Cross-sectional Study

Aim: To determine the frequency of refractive errors in school-age children.&#x0D; Study Design: Cross-sectional study.&#x0D; Place and duration: Two Government and two Private schools of Hyderabad Sindh, screened by the institute of ophthalmology at Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro, from January 2021 to June 2021.&#x0D; Methodology: Schools and students were selected by stratified random method; a total of four hundred students were screened in four schools. From class one to class ten, 10 students were selected from each class. Prior written permission was obtained from parents. External ocular examination, visual acuity, pinhole test, autorefraction, and fundus examination were done and recorded on proforma along with the information regarding age, sex, family history, and parent’s education. The data was entered and analyzed by SPSS version 22.&#x0D; Results: In government schools 27 students out of 200 had refractive errors, myopia was present in 15 (55.55%) students, hypermetropia in 7 (25.93%) students and astigmatism in 5 (18.52%) students, while in private schools 25 students had refractive errors. Myopia was present in 16 (64%) students, hypermetropia in 7 (28%) students and astigmatism in 2 (8%) students. Myopia and astigmatism were more prevalent in female sex being 8.1% and 2% respectively, while in males it was 6.4% and 1.4% cases. In this study, no significant refractive error difference was found between government and private sector schools.&#x0D; Conclusion: In our study, the prevalence of refractive errors was 13% (52) out of 400 students. Refractive errors are the most common and easily treatable causes of decreased vision in school-aged children. It is recommended that visual acuity be checked prior to admission to school because refractive errors can be easily corrected with glasses. If it is treated in time, the child can be prevented from amblyopia and squint.

Anisometropia and refractive status in children with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction—a prospective observational study

To assess the refractive status and anisometropia in children with unilateral and bilateral congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO). Consecutive children newly diagnosed with CNLDO were prospectively enrolled from November 2017 to May 2019. A complete ophthalmic evaluation including cycloplegic refraction was performed followed by appropriate intervention. Patients were followed for 6 months, and cycloplegic refraction was performed at each visit. The final refractive error was defined as the refractive error obtained from the most recent visit. Amblyogenic risk factors were assessed based on 2013 referral criteria of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS). A total of 308 patients with CNLDO were enrolled: 205 (67%) unilateral cases and 103 (33%) bilateral cases. In unilateral cases, the affected eye and unaffected fellow eye showed statistically significant difference in terms of sphere (P < 0.001), cylinder (P = 0.019), and spherical equivalent (P < 0.001); there was no interocular difference in bilateral cases (P > 0.05). Anisometropia was more prevalent in unilateral cases than in bilateral cases (11.2% vs 1.9%; P = 0.005). Based on the 2013 AAPOS referral criteria, 3.9% of the unilateral and 3.9% of bilateral cases exhibited amblyogenic risk factors. Later age of presentation was associated with higher rate of anisometropia (53.8% in the age group >48 months). In our study cohort, unilateral CNLDO was associated with a higher prevalence of anisometropia compared with bilateral CNLDO. The affected eye in unilateral CNLDO had higher prevalence of refractive error.

Prevalence of Refractive Error in Vientiane Province, Lao People’s Democratic Republic

ABSTRACT Purpose To determine the prevalence of adult refractive error and associated risk factors in the Vientiane Province of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Methods Population-based, cross-sectional ophthalmic survey of individuals ≥ 40 years of age in Vientiane Province. Suitable refractive data was available in 1058 individuals. Demographic data, which included age and gender, was obtained from all participants. Smoking status, presence of diabetes and hypertension was also recorded. The ophthalmic examination included autorefraction, grading of cataract, applanation tonometry and ultrasound pachymetry for ocular biometry, including axial length. Results Mean refractive error measured −0.36 diopters (D) (standard deviation [SD], 1.41) and mean cylindrical error measured −0.33 D (SD 0.95). Myopia ≤ −0.5 D and ≤ −5.0 D occurred in 53.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 43.7 to 62.6) and 2.0% (95% CI: 0.4 to 3.6) of participants, respectively. There was a correlation between myopia and both age and higher grading of nuclear cataract (p < .001). Hyperopia ≥ +0.5 D was present in 26.4% of participants and was associated with increasing age (p < .001). Astigmatism was present in 55.8% (95% CI: 51.5 to 60.2) of the population and was associated with increased nuclear cataract (p < .001). Urban participants had a reduced prevalence of myopia compared with rural participants. Conclusion Myopia was associated with younger age and a higher grade of nuclear cataract. The prevalence of myopia in the adult population of Vientiane Province was higher than that reported in neighbouring Asian regions and contributed to low vision.

Prevalence and Patterns of Refractive Errors in Children and Young Adults in an Urban Region in South India: the Hyderabad Eye Study

ABSTRACT Purpose To determine the prevalence of refractive error (RE) and associated risk factors for myopic refractive errors in children and young adults from the urban region of Hyderabad, South India. Methods Four thousand sixty-five (4,065) participants aged 6–22 years were enrolled and examined in this cross-sectional study conducted from October 2013 to January 2015. Participants were enrolled from a random sample of schools and universities in regions representative of urban Hyderabad. RE was determined using cycloplegic autorefraction. The association of demographic factors such as age, gender, and socio-economic category (SEC) (low/mid/high) with myopia was explored with logistic regression with robust standard error. Results Of the total participants, 2,259 were children aged 6–15 years and 1,806 were adolescents and young adults aged 16–22 years. Overall prevalence of myopia, high myopia (≤ −5.00D and ≤ −6.00 D), hyperopia, emmetropia, and astigmatism was 29.8% (95% CI: 26.0% to 33.6%, n = 1,216), 2.9% (95% CI: 1.9% to 3.9%, n = 120), 1.1% (95%CI: 0.7% to 1.5%, n = 46), 14.7% (95% CI: 12.4% to 17.0%, n = 599), 46.9% (95% CI: 43.7% to 50.1%, n = 1913) and 8.6% (95% CI: 7.4% to 9.9%, n = 352) respectively. A strong correlation existed between age and prevalence of myopia (R2 = 0.88, p < .001) and high myopia (R2 = 0.71, p < .001). Children from schools of low SEC (34.7%) had higher prevalence of myopia compared to the mid SEC (16.8%) (p = .043). Conclusion Myopia was the most prevalent refractive error and increased with age in this urban population. More myopia was observed in schools of low SEC.

English

BACKGROUND Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a disease affecting the retina of premature infants due to retinal neovascularization and the spectrum of outcome findings in ROP ranges from the most minimal sequelae without affecting vision in the mild cases to bilateral, irreversible, and total blindness in more severe cases.In India children less than 1500 g have almost 38 percent chance of developing any stage of ROP and 7 – 16 % chance of developing threshold ROP or blinding ROP. (2)Laser photocoagulation has replaced cryotherapy as the established treatment for ROP in most centers and this study aims to evaluate the functional and structural outcome in preterm infants who received laser photocoagulation for retinopathy of prematurity. In this study we wanted to find out the structural outcome of retinopathy of prematurity infants who underwent laser photocoagulation. We also wanted to find out the functional outcome of ROP preterm infants who underwent laser photocoagulation and identify the factors affecting the structural outcome in retinopathy of prematurity. METHODS A hospital based descriptive study was conducted among 31 preterm infants with retinopathy of prematurity who received laser photocoagulation treatment after obtaining parental consent in the Retina clinic, Regional Institute of Ophthalmology, Trivandrum. Screening examination was done at 34 weeks or 4 weeks postnatal whichever was earlier. Those infants who were detected to have ROP and were given laser photocoagulation by the ophthalmologist were followed up till retina becomes stable / ROP regresses. Thereafter follow up examinations were performed at 3 months, 6 months and 10 months. Structural outcome was classified as favorable and unfavorable. Visual or functional outcome was assessed by noting the fixation pattern, ocular alignment for strabismus and by performing cycloplegic refraction (retinoscopy) to rule out refractive errors. Data was entered into excel sheet and statistical analysis was done using SPSS trial version. RESULTS The study was conducted in 31 preterm infants with Retinopathy of Prematurity who underwent laser photocoagulation in Regional Institute of Ophthalmology Trivandrum. The structural and functional outcome was assessed at 3months, 6 months and 10 months. Of the 62 eyes of 31 infants, stage2 and 3comprised 48.4%each.3.2% of eyes had stage1 disease affecting zone1.None had stage 4 or 5.Of the 62 eyes, majority had zone 2 disease (83.9%). Only 10 eyes had zone1 disease. Out of the 60 eyes, 54 eyes had a favorable structural outcome at 3months.The functional outcome was assessed in terms of visual behavior by assessing the fixation of light, whether child is following light and by preferential looking pattern. Out of the 30 babies only 1 had an unfavorable visual behavior. The baby was not fixing and following light. Out of the 30 infants, 2 had (6.6%) strabismus at 6months and 10 months. Myopia was the predominant refractive error in the studied group accounting for about 55%. Among the study group 16.7 % had hypermetropia. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of favorable structural outcome in our study was 90%.Low gestational age and low birth weight were associated with an unfavorable structural outcome. There is a high prevalence of refractive errors in our study group accounting for about 71.5 % at 6 months. The refractive errors increased at 10 month follow up to 77%. Among the refractive errors, myopia predominates accounting 55% at 6 months and 61 % at 10 months. KEY WORDS Laser Photocoagulation, Retinopathy of Prematurity

Prevalence and Burden of Refractive Errors at National and Sub-national Levels in Iran.

PurposeTo estimate the prevalence, burden of refractive errors and their associated trend from 1990 to 2018 and geographic inequalities in Iran.MethodsData regarding the epidemiology of refractive errors was extracted from three different sources: systematic review of published literature, data from visual school screening programs, and data from Iran's national health survey (NHS). The pool of all available data on refractive errors as well as demographic, location, and socioeconomic status covariates were fitted in spatio-temporal and Gaussian process regression models to predict the prevalence of refractive errors from the years 1990 to 2018 in 31 provinces grouped by age and sex in order to calculate years lived with disability (YLDs).Results In 2018, the age-adjusted prevalence of refractive errors was 16.32% (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 12.44–21.48%) in both sexes, 17.98% (95% UI: 13.74–23.61%) in women, and 14.66% (95% UI: 11.14–19.36%) in men. The prevalence of refractive errors reveals that it increases with age. Refractive errors contributed to 441.41 and 348.38 YLDs in men and women, respectively. The age-standardized prevalence growth was 31.30% in females and 24.32% in males from the years 1990 to 2018. Significant geographical heterogeneity was observed. The age-standardized YLDs rates of refractive errors represent an increasing trend of 28.9% increase from 1990 to 2018.ConclusionOver 28 years, the prevalence of refractive errors increased significantly. Women tend to have higher rates of prevalence. The prevalence increased in older ages. Border provinces had the lowest prevalence. Age-standardized YLDs rates of refractive errors increased by about 30%.

The prevalence of refractive error in schoolchildren

ABSTRACT Clinical relevance Information on the refractive error prevalence in school-aged children will result in delivering the optimal eye health service to this group. Background Understanding the prevalence of refractive error in school-aged children is crucial to reduce the consequences of uncorrected refractive error. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of refractive error among school-aged children in Shiraz, Iran. Methods In this cross-sectional population-based study, 2001 schoolchildren aged 6–12 years participated. All participants underwent cycloplegic refraction. Spherical equivalent (SE) of −0.50 dioptre or more was considered as myopia, SE of +2.00 dioptre or more as hyperopia, and astigmatism as cylinder power of 0.75 dioptre or more. The difference of 1.00 dioptre or more between two eyes defined as anisometropia. Results The prevalence of myopia was 11.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.2–13.1%), hyperopia 6.7% (95%CI: 5.6–7.9%), and astigmatism 28.9% (95%CI: 26.9–31.0%), out of which 82.1% had with the rule astigmatism. Anisometropia was detected in 4.0% (95%CI: 3.2–5.0%) of children. Astigmatism and anisometropia were significantly higher in boys (p < 0.001, p = 0.03 respectively). The SE decreased significantly with increasing age (p < 0.001) indicating an increase in myopia with age. In addition, the rate of myopic astigmatism increased with age (p < 0.001). Among studied schoolchildren 97.0% could achieve the best-corrected visual acuity of 6/6 and 3.0% could not in the better eye. Conclusion Astigmatism was the most common refractive error among primary school children. The prevalence of myopia was relatively higher than other studies conducted in Iran, and it increased with age. These results may highlight the role of lifestyle changes and increased near work activities on the myopic shift in school-aged children. The findings provide information for screening programmes in school-aged children.

Prevalence and determinants of refractive error and related ocular morbidities among Saudi adolescence population in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

PURPOSE:The purpose of this study was to determine the magnitude and determinants of refractive error (RE) and related ocular morbidities among preparatory and secondary Saudi students in Riyadh.METHODS:This study was conducted in 2017–2018 at preparatory (12–14 years) and secondary (15–18 years) schools. A “Spot Screener” was used to determine if the child passed or failed a refraction test. Fail test meant RE ≥ ± 0.50 D. Data were collected on refractive status in each eye, anisometropia, and strabismus. The type of RE was estimated and analysis was performed for an association to gender, age, and education levels. The use of spectacle while screening defined the compliance of spectacle wear.RESULTS:The study sample was comprised of 708 Saudi students. There were 59.5% of boys. The prevalence of RE was 43.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 40.0, 47.3). The prevalence of RE in preparatory and secondary students was 44.5% and 43.2%, respectively. The proportion of myopia (≥ −0.5 D) and hyperopia (≥ +0.5 D) among students with RE was 82.2% and 17.8%, respectively. Family history of RE was positively associated to RE in students (odds ratio: 1.8 [95% CI: 1.3, 2.5]). The current screening initiative identified 45 (6.4%) new cases of RE who required spectacles. The compliance rate for using visual aid among students with RE was 74.6%. The prevalence of anisometropia and strabismus was 3.0% and 4.1%, respectively.CONCLUSIONS:A high proportion of Saudi adolescence in Riyadh have RE. Periodic ophthalmic assessment and refractive services are recommended as part of school health screening initiatives.