Prevalence Of Uncorrected Refractive Error Research Articles

Colombian Ocular Diseases Epidemiology Study (CODES): Prevalence and Sociodemographic Characterization of Refractive Errors in Colombian Eye Care Consultations

ABSTRACT Purpose To estimate the prevalence and demographic characteristics of uncorrected refractive errors (URE) in people who attended eye care consultations in Colombia between 2015 and 2019, using the National Health Registry data. Methods We identified ICD codes for myopia (H-52.1), degenerative myopia (H-44.2), hyperopia (H-52.0), and astigmatism (H-52.2) from the Integrated Social Protection Information System. Crude prevalence rates by age and sex were calculated for the population attending eye care services during these years. Additionally, we developed a standardized morbidity map across county departments. Results In Colombia, the prevalence of URE among eye care consultations was 30.26%, increasing from 30.39% in 2015 to 35.14% in 2019. Of the 1,579,778 cases analyzed, 60.9% were females. Astigmatism emerged as the most prevalent URE, predominantly seen in individuals under 40 years old. Myopia showed the highest prevalence in the 10–30 age group, whereas hyperopia was most prevalent in the first decade of life. Geographically, the Andean region recorded most of URE cases, while more remote areas have seen a rising morbidity risk in recent years. Conclusions The rising trend of URE in Colombia and its demographic and geographical variations underscores the urgent need for health professionals and government authorities to acknowledge and address this issue. This study provides crucial insights into the refractive error landscape across the country, highlighting the necessity for prevention programs specifically designed to cater to the country’s unique needs.

Effective refractive error coverage and spectacle coverage among school children in Telangana, South India.

Uncorrected refractive error (URE) is one of the leading causes of childhood vision impairment. Increasing effective refractive error coverage (e-REC) is one of the main indicators of WHO's 2030 global eye health targets. The aim of this study is to estimate the e-REC and spectacle coverage among school children in Telangana, South India. School children aged 4-15 years in the study locations underwent vision screening using 6/12 tumbling E optotype by trained community eye health workers in the schools. Those failing the initial vision screening and/or found to be having eye conditions were referred to a nearby referral centre appropriately, where they underwent detailed eye examination. A total of 774,184 children were screened in schools of which 51.49% were boys. The mean age was 9.40 ± 3.27 years. The prevalence of URE was 1.44% (95%CI:1.41-1.46) of which myopia was 1.38% (95%CI: 1.35-1.41). In multivariate analysis, the risk of myopia was higher among older children (Adj.OR: 17.04; 95%CI: 14.64-19.85), those residing in urban areas (Adj.OR:3.05, 95%CI:2.60-3.57), those with disabilities (Adj.OR:2.61, 95%CI:2.00-3.39) and among girls (Adj.OR:1.30, 95%CI:1.25-1.35) (P < 0.001). The overall e-REC was 56.97% and the spectacle coverage was 62.83%. The need for interventions to improve e-REC to achieve 2030 global eye health target is eminent among children in this region. Improving refractive services through school eye health programs could aid in accelerating this process to achieve the target. Myopia being the most common type of RE, the risk factors included increasing age, urban location, and presence of disability.

Prevalence of visual impairment, uncorrected refractive errors and effective refractive error coverage in Koshi Province, Nepal - Rapid Assessment of Refractive Errors.

To determine the prevalence of visual impairment (VI), uncorrected refractive errors (URE), and effective refractive error coverage among individuals aged 15-50 years in Koshi Province, Nepal. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Koshi Province in which 4800 participants were selected from 80 clusters. The study teams visited the selected households and conducted eye examinations. This included monocular unaided (and aided) visual acuity assessment using a Snellen chart with tumbling E optotypes at a distance of 6 meters. Near vision was assessed binocularly using the N notation chart at a fixed distance of 40 cm for each individual. Torchlight examination and distance direct ophthalmoscopy was done. VI was defined as presenting visual acuity worse than 6/12 in the better eye. URE was defined as presenting visual acuity worse than 6/12 and improving to 6/12 or better on using a pinhole. Near Vision Impairment was defined as binocular presenting near vision worse than N8 among those age 35 years and older. In total, 4057 were examined (84.5% response rate). The prevalence of VI was 3.52% (95% CI:2.89-4.13; n = 143). The prevalence of URE in the better eye was 1.95% (95% CI:1.54-2.42; n = 79). The Refractive Error Coverage and Effective Refractive Error Coverage were 34.8% and 31.3% respectively. The prevalence of NVI was 34.24% (95% CI: 32.1-36.40; n = 666). The prevalence of VI and URE was low, attributed to the availability and uptake of services in Koshi province in Nepal.

Prevalence of refractive error among Dongarias and use of Folding Phoropter (FoFo) as a field device enabling implementation research in this indigenous community. Tribal Odisha Eye Disease Study (TOES) Report # 13.

To evaluate the prevalence of uncorrected refractive error (URE) among Dongarias-a particularly vulnerable tribal group in Rayagada, Odisha, India and evaluate if folding phoropter (FoFo) can help achieve on-site correction of URE. This was a cross-sectional study. FoFo was used for people with URE. Spherical equivalent (SE) spectacles based on the FoFo refraction were dispensed when distance visual acuity improved to > 6/12. Others were referred to fixed eye centres. Multivariable logistic regression evaluated the relationship of URE with sociodemographic characters and factors predicting acceptance of FoFo. In the study, 7.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]:7-8) people had URE, and included 4% with severe vision impairment and 36% with moderate visual impairment. URE was less common in children. Simple hyperopia was more common in females (25.3% vs 19.3%); compound myopic astigmatism was more common in males (27.4% vs 20.2%). People older than 50 years (p <0.0001) and females (p <0.0001) were more likely to have URE. Ninety-four people accepted FoFo on-site refraction and received SE spectacles; the acceptance was better in the younger (15-29 years old) and literate people (p <0.0001). URE was the second most common cause of visual impairment in older adults and was higher in females. Within its technological limit, FoFo could be used in the field for correcting URE and obviating the need for travel, thus bridging the know-do gap for the marginalised Dongaria community.

Prevalence of Refractive Error among Children of Koshi Rural Municipality of Sunsari District: Door-to-Door Screening

Background: Uncorrected refractive error is the commonest cause of preventable visual impairment and disability among children. This study aimed to find out the prevalence of refractive error among children in the Koshi Rural Municipality of Sunsari district. Methods: This cross-sectional study conducted from 1 November to 31 December 2020 involved children between the ages of 4 - 18 years from Koshi Rural Municipality. The variables recorded included gender, age, religion, school type, visual acuity, and types of refractive error. Ethical approval was taken from the rural municipality and institutional review committee of Biratnagar Eye Hospital. Results: A total of 7830 children were screened in the door-to-door campaign. The majority (n = 5508, 72%) were Hindu and 2232 (28%) were Muslims. Only 6575 (84%) children were enrolled in school. Among them 3130 (40%) were going to government schools, 2105(26.9%) were going to private schools and 1340 (17.1%) children were going to a Madrassa (Muslim school) for education. The prevalence of refractive errors among children of Koshi Rural Municipality was 131 (1.7%) (95% CI: 1.4 - 2.0). Hypermetropia was seen in 69 (53%) children, followed by Myopia 60 (46%). Conclusion: The prevalence of uncorrected refractive error among children of Koshi Rural Municipality was low. However, the prevalence of refractive error was high among Muslim children.

Prevalence of uncorrected distance refractive errors and associated risk factors in employees of an academic centre

ABSTRACT Background Uncorrected refractive error (RE) may affect the work performance of adults in the workplace. The aim of current study was to determine the prevalence of corrected and uncorrected RE, and the determinants of uncorrected RE in adult employees of a university. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of Tehran University Medical Sciences’ staff. Besides demographic and some specific questionnaires, ophthalmic examinations including the measurement of uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacles corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and presenting visual acuity were performed for all participants. The need for spectacles was defined as UCVA worse than 6/12 in the better eye that could be corrected to better than 6/12 with spectacles based on subjective refraction. Results In total, 4460 individuals with mean age of 42.32 ± 8.80 were included in the study. The VA of the better eye was 0.01 ± 0.05 logMAR for BCVA, 0.13 ± 0.26 for UCVA, and 0.05 ± 0.12 for presenting VA. Prevalence of RE was 15.7%, including uncorrected RE of 5% and spectacles coverage (corrected RE) of 10.7%. The proportion of individuals with elementary education and poor-fair status of general health were 1.62 times higher in the uncorrected group. In the univariate analysis, type of occupation (office versus non-office workers), socioeconomic status, and insurance of employees were not related to uncorrected RE (all P > 0.4). Myopia was the only factor associated with uncorrected RE in logistic regression analysis (odds ratio = 2.73, 95%CI = 1.02–7.31, P = 0.04). Conclusion The prevalence of uncorrected RE and spectacle coverage were 5% and 10.7%, respectively. Myopia was almost three times more likely to be associated among employees with uncorrected RE.

Estimation of the Prevalence of Uncorrected Refractive Error and Other Ocular Morbid Conditions in School Children of Industrial Area in a Non-metro City in India

PurposeThis study aims to estimate the prevalence of uncorrected refractive error and ocular morbid conditions in school-going children of the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) industrial belt.MethodsOcular examination was done in a well-equipped mobile clinic on school premises in the presence of a school teacher using visual acuity (VA) charts, autorefractometer, retinoscope, and handheld slit lamp. For the age group of 5-6 years, Lea symbols and HOTV charts were used, and for the age group of >7 years, Snellen’s chart was used. A detailed anterior segment examination was done to see lid position, the presence of any lid swelling, conjunctival congestion, conjunctival xerosis, corneal opacity, and lens opacity, and findings of previous eye surgery were noted. Spectacle correction was given to these students if they were found to have a significant refractive error.Children requiring intervention other than refractive correction were referred to a tertiary hospital.ResultsA total of 3,054 school children were examined. Most were between the age group of 11-15 years (2,448 (80.2%)), with a mean age of 12.45 ± 2.022 years; 1,470 (48.1%) were male children. A total of 368 (12.04%) children had uncorrected refractive error. Myopia was seen in 204 (6.68%) children, hypermetropia in 16 (0.52%) children, and astigmatism in 148 (4.85%) children. On classification, simple myopic astigmatism (SMA) was found in 73 (2.39%) children, compound myopic astigmatism (CMA) in 38 (1.24%) children, simple hypermetropic astigmatism (SHA) in 13 (0.34%) children, and compound hypermetropic astigmatism (CHA) in 16 (0.52%) children. Moreover, 121 children had ocular morbid conditions. Ocular morbidity with decreased vision was seen in 52 (1.7%) children with preexisting refractive error and 12 (0.39%) with amblyopia, and strabismus was seen in eight (0.26%) children. Five (0.16%) children had lens disorder, and five (0.16%) had no improvement with glasses despite normal anterior segment.ConclusionThere was a high prevalence of uncorrected refractive error. Early detection of uncorrected refractive error and ocular morbidity will improve overall performance in school-going children.

Prevalence of refractive errors in school-going children of Taif region of Saudi Arabia.

PURPOSE:To determine the prevalence of refractive errors in the pediatric population in Taif, Saudi Arabia.METHODS:This cross-sectional study included 7356 eyes of 3678 primary and secondary school children (males = 1837; females = 1841) with a mean age of 11.8 ± 2.2 years (range: 7–18) (males = 11.4 ± 2.0 [range: 8–16]; females = 12.2 ± 2.3 [range: 7–18]). All participants were selected from the school registers. The participants underwent noncycloplegic refraction to determine refractive errors. Students who refused visual acuity assessment or eye examination and were inconsistent in visual acuity assessment were excluded.RESULTS:The manifest refraction spherical equivalent of the study population was 0.37 ± 1.52 D (range from − 18.4 to 8.8 D) (males = −0.32 ± 1.4 D [range − 15.88–8.8 D]; females = −0.42 ± 1.6 D [range − 18.38–8.0 D]). The overall prevalence of uncorrected refractive errors among school children in this study was 50.91%. The overall distribution of astigmatism (cylinder error of ≥0.50 D) in the current study population was found to be 50.14% (3688/7356 eyes).CONCLUSION:Nearly half of the study population in this area was affected with at least one type of refractive error. The findings reveal the necessity for implementing timely and sensitive screening programs/methods to identify and correct refractive errors in this age group.

The knowledge of rural secondary school students on spectacle wear for correction of refractive errors: a south east Nigerian study

Background: Uncorrected refractive error, the second commonest cause of preventable blindness globally, places a heavy burden on individuals and the society. Spectacles remain the cheapest mode of its correction. Despite the affordability and accessibility of spectacles, the prevalence of uncorrected refractive error remains high due to low demand for spectacles when needed. This could be related to knowledge regarding spectacle wear. Objective: To assess the knowledge of rural secondary school students in Ebonyi State on spectacle wear for correction of refractive errors with a view to improving their utilization of spectacle wear for refractive error correction. Methods: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey of 11 randomly selected rural secondary schools in Ebonyi State, done from September, 2016 to December, 2016. The study instrument was a pretested, researcher-administered questionnaire with sub-fields on participant’s socio-demographics and knowledge of rural secondary school students towards spectacle wear for correction of refractive errors. The collected data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software for windows, version 22.0. Good knowledge of spectacle use was determined by proportion of students who correctly answered 50% of the questions. Descriptive statistics yield frequencies, percentages and proportions, analytical statistics utilized Chi-square or Fishers’ exact test for categorical variables, and student-t test for continuous variables. A p &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: There were 453 participants comprising 192 (42.4%) males and 261 (57.6%) females (M: F = 1:1.4) aged 11 to 18 with a mean age of 14.6 ± 1.8 SD years. Most (60.3%; n=273) of the respondents had good knowledge of spectacle wear for refractive error correction. Predictors of good knowledge included being: male, (AOR=0.5; 95% CI = 0.317-0.780), p&lt; 0.002, junior class (AOR=0.6 95% CI: 0.420-0.989), p &lt;0.044, father being self-employed (AOR=1.8,95% CI: 1.173- 2.858), p&lt; 0.008, mother being self-employed (AOR=0.4, 95% CI: 0.173-0.795), p&lt; 0.011 and mothers being unemployed (AOR=0.3, 95% CI: 0.104-0.857), p&lt; 0.025. Conclusion: Knowledge of spectacle wear for correction of refractive error was generally good. However most of the participants had poor knowledge of the use of eye glasses for correction of refractive errors.

The prevalence and causes of pediatric uncorrected refractive error: Pooled data from population studies for Global Burden of Disease (GBD) sub-regions.

BackgroundThere are limited systematic reviews on the prevalence of uncorrected refractive errors in children. We aimed to summarize the prevalence and causes of pediatric uncorrected refractive error (URE) from studies in the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) sub-regions.MethodsThe pooled analysis used the individual participant data (ages less than 20 years old) from population-based studies around the world by regions. URE was defined as presenting VA < 6/18 and improving to ≥ 6/18 or ≥1 line on using a pinhole in either eye, with main causes of myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism. Each study provided data on any URE, myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism by age, gender, and ethnicity. Prevalence rates were directly age and gender standardized to the 2020 world population with all age groups. Estimates were calculated by study and sub-regions after pooling. Summary estimates included studies in which URE was assessed from a pinhole-corrected refraction in the better eye.ResultsThe combined pooled data contained 302,513,219 patients including 8 963 URE cases individuals from 57 studies. Prevalence varied by age and GBD sub-regions and differed by gender. The age- and region-standardized prevalence of URE was 3.41 per 1000 (CI, 1.53~7.62) in Western Pacific region (12 studies), 2.26 per 1000 (CI, 0.85~6.01) in South-East Asia region (14 studies), 5.85 per 1000 (CI, 3.75~9.13) in Americans (11 studies) and 4.40 per 1000 (CI, 3.0~6.45) in Eastern Mediterranean region (13 studies). On the basis of these data, myopia was the first-leading cause in female children with 12~17 age group, with the prevalence rate 18.2 per 1000 (CI, 11.52~23.61). Astigmatism was detected in 27.2 per 1000 male children with 6~11 age group (CI: 19.12–30.68).ConclusionsPrevalence of URE available data within these sub-regions are widely disparate. Myopia and astigmatism in young age children continue as the leading cause of URE worldwide. Providing appropriate refractive correction to those individuals whose vision can be improved is an important public health endeavor with implications for safety and quality of life.

The prevalence of uncorrected refractive error in Japan: the Locomotive Syndrome and Health Outcome in Aizu Cohort Study.

Uncorrected refractive error (URE) is the leading cause of vision impairment and the second leading cause of blindness. It is a major public health challenge worldwide. However, the current status of URE in Japan is unclear. Cross-sectional study. In 2012, a population-based cross-sectional study was conducted among community dwellers aged 40years and older who received health check-ups in Minamiaizu and Tadami, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. URE was considered when the presenting visual acuity in the better-seeing eye was < 0.5 and when visual acuity improved more than 1 line with refractive correction in the better-seeing eye. We estimated the age-specific prevalence of URE, and calculated the p-value for trend to examine the linear pattern of the association of the prevalence of URE and age. This analysis included 2952 participants. The mean age (standard deviation [SD]) of the study population was 69.10(9.67) years and 57.79% were women. The overall prevalence of URE was 10.90% (95% CI, 9.77-12.05%). Prevalence by age category was 5.00% (95% CI, 2.03-10.03%), 6.09% (95% CI, 3.59-9.58%), 7.02% (95% CI, 5.49-8.81%), 11.96% (95% CI, 10.15-13.97%), and 22.39% (95% CI, 18.41-26.78%) for 40-49years, 50-59years, 60-69years, 70-79years, and 80years or older, respectively (p-for trend, < 0.001). The prevalence of URE was 10.9% and exceeded 20%, especially in individuals older than 80years. Given the correlation between increasing incidence of URE and increase in age, public health intervention to promote awareness of URE is important, especially for the older population.

Uncorrected refractive error in a university community.

To determine the prevalence and pattern of uncorrected refractive error among staff of a Nigerian university. A cross-sectional study of consecutive staff of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria who presented for a 10-day free eye screening program. Demographic data and data on eye care awareness and knowledge were obtained with a combination of self-administered and interviewer-administered questionnaires in the English language. Clinical examinations included visual acuity taken at 6 m with Snellen's chart; noncontact tonometry; pen-torch eye examination; and direct ophthalmoscopy; autorefraction and subjective refraction. One thousand and eighty-three subjects aged 18-82 years (mean = 44.1 ± 12.15 years) comprising 568 females (52.4%) and 515 males (47.6%) were screened. Eighty-nine subjects (8.3%) were visually impaired and five subjects (0.5%) were blind. Three hundred and fifty-six subjects were diagnosed with refractive error (356/1083; 32.9%), out of which 149 subjects (41.9%) were uncorrected. The prevalence of uncorrected refractive error in this study population was 13.8%. Astigmatism was the commonest refractive error, whereas hypermetropia and hypermetropic astigmatism were the commonest spherical and astigmatic errors, respectively. A significant proportion of the staff of this Nigerian university still lives with uncorrected refractive error with its attendant consequences. Regular eye checks should be done by the staff of our universities and effort should be intensified in eye care awareness creation among the populace, including the apparently enlightened communities.

Prevalence of uncorrected refractive errors among adults attending at a tertiary care hospital – A retrospective study

Prevalence of uncorrected refractive errors among adults attending at a tertiary care hospital – A retrospective study

Improving Access to Refractive Services in Adults: A Health Examination Center-Based Model

Purpose: To assess the potential of a health examination center-based screening model in improving service for uncorrected refractive error.Methods: Individuals aged ≥18 years undergoing the routine physical examinations at a tertiary hospital in the northeast China were invited. Presenting visual acuity, noncycloplegic autorefraction, noncontact tonometry, fundus photography, and slit-lamp examination were performed. Refractive error was defined as having spherical equivalent ≤ -0.75 D or ≥ +1 D and uncorrected refractive error was considered as refractive error combined with presenting visual acuity < 6/12 in the better eye. Costs for the screening were assessed.Results: A total of 5,284 participants (61 ± 14 years) were included. The overall prevalence of myopia and hyperopia was 38.7% (95% CI, 37.4–40.0%) and 23.5% (95% CI, 22.3–24.6%), respectively. The prevalence of uncorrected refractive error was 7.85% (95% CI, 7.13–8.58%). Women (p < 0.001 and p = 0.003), those with age ≥ 70 years (p < 0.001 and p = 0.003), and myopia (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001) were at higher risk of uncorrected refractive error and uncorrected refractive error-related visual impairment. Spectacle coverage rate was 70.6% (95% CI, 68.2–73.0%). The cost to identify a single case of refractive error and uncorrected refractive error was US$3.2 and US$25.2, respectively.Conclusion: The prevalence of uncorrected refractive error is high in the urban Chinese adults. Health examination center-based refractive error screening is able to provide an efficient and low-cost model to improve the refractive services in China.

[Epidemiology of uncorrected refractive errors in type 2 diabetics aged 50 and above in Funing County, China: the Jiangsu Diabetic Eye Study].

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of uncorrected refractive errors among people aged 50 years and above in Funing county, Jiangsu province. Methods: Randomly cluster sampling was used in selecting individuals aged ≥50 years in 82 clusters from Funing County Center for Disease Prevention and Control. Uncorrected refractive error was defined as an improvement of at least 2 lines in best corrected visual acuity compared with presenting visual acuity in the better eye. The mean±standard deviation was used to describe the continuous data, and the rate or composition ratio was used to represent the classified data. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the prevalence of uncorrected refractive errors in different ages, genders, educational levels, durations of diabetes and levels of glycosylated hemoglobin. Statistical significance was defined as P<0.05. Results: A total of 2 067 persons were enumerated, and 1910 (92.4%) participants were in the statistical analyses. The prevalence of uncorrected refractive error was 25.63%. The prevalence of uncorrected refractive error for myopia only, hyperopia only, astigmatism only, myopia with astigmatism and hyperopia with astigmatism was 72.55% (37/51), 46.77% (58/124), 17.81% (13/73), 63.95% (94/147) and 51.98% (100/194), respectively. The results showed that the older age, level of glycosylated hemoglobin, myopia and lens state were the independent influencing factors of uncorrected refractive error. The odds ratio (OR) for people aged 70 to<80 years and ≥80 years was 1.81 and 1.90, respectively, with statistical significance compared to people younger than 60 years. Compared with the level of glycosylated hemoglobin less than 5.6%, the OR with glycosylated hemoglobin from7.1% to 8.0% and more than 10% was 1.84 (P<0.05) and 1.82 (P<0.05), respectively. The OR of myopia, low myopia, moderate myopia and high myopia was 2.98 (P<0.01), 6.94 (P<0.01), 42.43 (P<0.01) and 77.85 (P<0.01), respectively. The OR of opacity of the eye lens was 7.60 (P<0.01). Conclusions: Uncorrected refractive error is one of the important causes of visual impairment in diabetic patients aged 50 and above in Funing county, Jiangsu province; the important influencing factors were age, glycosylated hemoglobin concentration, myopia and lens status. Relevant health departments should popularize the eye health for diabetic patients and conduct regular optometry and fundus examination. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2021, 57: 757-765).

Refractive Error of Students (15- to 18-year-olds) in Northwest Mexico.

We assessed the prevalence of refractive error in a sample of children of Northern Mexico using the Refractive Error Study in Children protocol of the World Health Organization, which allows for the comparison with other global studies. Uncorrected refractive error is the main cause of visual impairment in children. The purpose of this study was to assess the refractive error and visual dysfunctions of students (15 to 18 years old) in the upper-middle school system of Sinaloa, Mexico. A total of 3468 students in Sinaloa's high school system participated in the study from 2017 to 2019. Optometrists and student clinicians from the Optometry Program of the Autonomous University of Sinaloa conducted the testing. Tests included visual acuities and static retinoscopy. We did not use a cycloplegic agent. The results showed a high prevalence of uncorrected refractive errors. Myopia, defined as a refractive error ≤-0.50 D, had a prevalence of 36.11% (95% confidence interval, 33.47 to 38.83%); hyperopia, defined as a refractive error ≥+2.00 D, had a prevalence of 1.49% (95% confidence interval, 0.09 to 2.33%); and astigmatism, defined as a refractive error with a cylinder ≥0.75 D, had a prevalence of 29.17% (95% confidence interval, 26.60 to 31.76%). We found a significant effect of sex on visual acuity. Our results are consistent with a high prevalence of myopia reported in adolescents worldwide and in Mexico's northern regions. The results suggest that students attending high school and entering universities should be required to have an optometric eye examination. Additional studies are needed to investigate the prevalence of refractive errors in children in Mexico.

Prevalence of Uncorrected Refractive Error and Its Risk Factors; Tehran Geriatric Eye Study (TGES)

ABSTRACT Purpose: To determine the age-sex-standardized prevalence of uncorrected refractive error and its determinants Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 3310 people aged≥ 60 years in Tehran, Iran in 2019. Need for spectacles was defined as uncorrected visual acuity worse than 20/40 in better eye that could be corrected to more than 20/40 with suitable spectacles. Met need was defined as proportion of individuals with need for spectacles whose visual acuity was 20/40 or better with current spectacles. Unmet need was defined as proportion of individuals with need for spectacles who needed but did not have spectacles or their visual acuity was worse than 20/40 with current spectacles while suitable spectacles improved their visual acuity to 20/40 or better. Results: The age-sex-standardized prevalence of need for spectacles, met need, and unmet need was 16.67% (95% CI: 15.33–18.09), 7.81% (95% CI: 6.95–8.78), and 8.85% (95% CI: 7.77–10.07), respectively. Myopic subjects had the highest prevalence of need for spectacles (24.06%, 95% CI: 21.47–26.87). The odds ratio of met and unmet need in subjects≥ 80 years versus those aged 60–65 years was 0.36 (p-value: 0.009) and 2.34 (p-value: <0.001), respectively. The odds ratio of met and unmet need in subjects with a university education versus illiterate subjects was 1.72 (p-value: 0.045) and 0.42 (p-value: 0.007), respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of uncorrected refractive error was lower in this study compared to previous studies. The met need rate was lower in subjects with older age and lower education levels.

Dépistage des troubles visuels à l’âge scolaire : les données du projet pilote PlanVue®

To assess the prevalence of visual disturbances among school-aged children in prioritized education zones in France. The PlanVue® pilot project was designed to detect and manage visual disturbances in school-aged children in the prioritized education areas of the city of Nanterre, France. During this pilot study, a cohort of 515 children aged 4 to 13 years underwent a school vision screening between January and March 2019, consisting of an overall evaluation of the child's visual behavior, measurement of uncorrected visual acuity in each eye, objective refraction with a photoscreener and strabismus screening. If the examination was abnormal as determined by impaired vision or an algorithm based on the abnormalities found, the children were referred to an ophthalmologist. Decreased visual acuity was found in 20% of school-aged children. Out of the 515 children screened, 22% were referred to an ophthalmologist. Among these children, 13% were diagnosed with amblyopia, 73% with spherical ametropia, 57% with astigmatism and 2% with strabismus. Of the entire population screened, 12% of the children needed optical correction but had not received glasses. This study confirms the high prevalence of uncorrected refractive errors among school-age children. A screening program carried out in a school environment by paramedical professionals might make it possible to considerably reduce the rate of uncorrected visual disorders and their consequences.

Refractive errors and spectacle compliance among truckers in India

Introduction: Reliable data on eye health among Indian truckers are scanty. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of refractive errors and the subsequent long-term spectacle compliance and suggest appropriate strategies to improve these in this population.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2017 and March 2018 among truckers. Gross ophthalmologic examination was performed, including visual acuity and refraction. Six months to one-year post provision of spectacles, follow-up with truckers was undertaken to understand the spectacle usage patterns and its compliance. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were conducted to assess the association between the type of refractive errors, spectacle compliance, and select sociodemographic and clinical variables.Results: A total of 709 (78.8%) truckers completed interviews and gross eye examination. The prevalence of any refractive errors in the worst eye was 45.8% (95% CI 42.1%–49.6%). The prevalence of presbyopia with or without distance vision was 33% (95% CI 29.6%–36.6%) and myopia with or without astigmatism was 10% (95% CI 7.9%–12.5%). Among those who were prescribed spectacles, 27.1% needed distance correction, 33.8% needed near correction, and 39.1% needed both, at least in one eye. Long-term spectacle compliance was at 54.7%. The predominant barriers for spectacle compliance were “did not collect” (63.9%), followed by “discomfort” (20.8%).Conclusion: The prevalence of uncorrected refractive errors was high among truckers. Long-term spectacles compliance was moderate. There is an urgent need for tailor-made targeted interventions to address the eye health needs of truckers in India.

The prevalence and predictors of refractive error among school children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

PURPOSE:Refractive error (RE) is one of the most common ocular disorders among children worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of RE and possible risk factors among school children in Riyadh.METHODS:This is a cross-sectional study using data collected at various schools. To achieve the aim of the study, we selected a random sample of 850 school children aged 6–15 years. The examination was based on the RESC protocol and included full visual assessment. Furthermore, a questionnaire was sent to the parents of the participants to ascertain information about lifestyle factors. We constructed a logistic regression model to evaluate the predictors of RE.RESULTS:Close to a third of the children had a RE. Of those identified as having the condition, 60% did not wear glasses (newly diagnosed). Nearly all the children (95.4%) in our sample reported using electronic devices, according to parents. No association was found between using electronic devices and having a RE (P = 0.26). Doing outdoor activities was associated with 52% lower odds of a RE (odds ratio = 1.52).CONCLUSION:We found a higher prevalence of uncorrected RE than previously reported in other Saudi studies. About 60% of children who had RE were not wearing glasses, highlighting the need for a standardized school screening program for early detection and management. Outdoor activities were associated with a lower likelihood of having a RE. These findings might support initiatives to encourage outdoor activities among school children.