Prevalence of visual impairment and estimation of refractive errors among school children in Kakamega,Kenya

AIM:To investigate the prevalence of visual impairment(VI)and provide an estimation of uncorrected refractive errors in school-aged children,conducted by optometry students as a community service.METHODS:The study was cross-sectional.Totally 3343 participants were included in the study.The initial examination involved assessing the uncorrected distance visual acuity(UDVA)and visual acuity(VA)while using a+2.00 D lens.The inclusion criteria for a subsequent comprehensive cycloplegic eye examination,performed by an optometrist,were as follows:a UDVA<0.6 decimal(0.20 logMAR)and/or a VA with+2.00 D≥0.8 decimal(0.96 logMAR).RESULTS:The sample had a mean age of 10.92±2.13y(range 4 to 17y),and 51.3%of the children were female(n=1715).The majority of the children(89.7%)fell within the age range of 8 to 14y.Among the ethnic groups,the highest representation was from the Luhya group(60.6%)followed by Luo(20.4%).Mean logMAR UDVA choosing the best eye for each student was 0.29±0.17(range 1.70 to 0.22).Out of the total,246 participants(7.4%)had a full eye examination.The estimated prevalence of myopia(defined as spherical equivalent≤-0.5 D)was found to be 1.45%of the total sample.While around 0.18%of the total sample had hyperopia value exceeding+1.75 D.Refractive astigmatism(cil<-0.75 D)was found in 0.21%(7/3343)of the children.The VI prevalence was 1.26%of the total sample.Among our cases of VI,76.2%could be attributed to uncorrected refractive error.Amblyopia was detected in 0.66%(22/3343)of the screened children.There was no statistically significant correlation observed between age or gender and refractive values.CONCLUSION:The primary cause of VI is determined to be uncorrected refractive errors,with myopia being the most prevalent refractive error observed.These findings underscore the significance of early identification and correction of refractive errors in school-aged children as a means to alleviate the impact of VI.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Refractive Errors among University Students at Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda

Introduction: WHO estimated that uncorrected refractive errors are the leading cause of visual impairment and second leading cause of blindness globally. University students are prone to developing refractive errors due to their curriculum that requires a lot of near work affecting their performance and quality of life unknowingly. Genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role in the development of refractive errors. This study addresses the paucity of knowledge about refractive errors among university students in East Africa, providing a foundation for further research. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with refractive errors among students in the Faculty of Medicine at Mbarara University of Science and Technology. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study in which 368 undergraduate students selected using random sampling were assessed for refractive errors from March 2021-July 2021. Eligible participants were recruited and their VA assessment done after answering a questionnaire. Students whose VA improved on pin hole had subjective retinoscopy and results were compiled and imported to STATA 14 for analysis. Results: The prevalence of refractive errors was 26.36% with (95% CI) among university students especially myopia. Myopia is most predominant at 60%, followed by 37% Astigmatism and hyperopia of 3% among medical students. Astigmatism consisted of largely myopic astigmatism 72% (26) and 28% (10) compound/mixed astigmatism only. Student positive family history of refractive error was found to have a statistically significant relationship with refractive errors with AOR 1.68 (1.04 - 2.72) (95% CI) and P (0.032). Conclusion: The prevalence of refractive errors among university students, especially myopia, was found to be high and family history was associated with students having refractive errors.

Prevalence of Refractive Errors among School Children Aged 5 to 15 Years Old at CHU-IOTA

Introduction: Undetected refractive errors constitute a health problem among school children who cannot take advantage of educational opportunities. The authors studied the prevalence of refractive errors in school children aged 5 to 15 at CHU-IOTA. Patients and Method: This is a prospective, descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in the ophthalmic-pediatrics department of CHU-IOTA, from October to November 2023. Results: We received 340 school children aged 5 to 15, among whom 111 presented ametropia, i.e. a prevalence of 32.65%. The average age was 11.42 ± 2.75 years and a sex ratio of 0.59. The average visual acuity was 4/10 (range 1/10 and 10/10). We found refractive defects: astigmatism 73.87%, hyperopia 23.87% of cases and myopia 2.25%. The decline in distance visual acuity was the most common functional sign. Ocular abnormalities associated with ametropia were dominated by allergic conjunctivitis (26.13%) and papillary excavation (6.31%) in astigmatics;allergic conjunctivitis (9.01%) and papillary excavation (7.20%) in hyperopic patients;turbid vitreous (0.90%), myopic choroidosis (0.45%) and allergic conjunctivitis (0.45%) in myopes. Conclusion: Refractive errors constitute a reality and a major public health problem among school children.

Prevalence of refractive errors in children of Puerto Rico

AIM:To determine the prevalence of refractive error in 5-to 17-year-old schoolchildren in Puerto Rico.METHODS:A quantitative descriptive study of 2867 children aged 5 to 17y from all seven educational regions of Puerto Rico was conducted from 2016–2019.Refractive error was determined via static and subjective refraction.Children with distance acuity≤20/40 or near visual acuity≤20/32 had a cycloplegic refraction.Data analysis included descriptive statistics,correlation coefficient,Kruskal-Wallis,Chi-square,and t test calculations.RESULTS:Twenty percent of the children had a spherical equivalent refractive error≤-0.50 D,3.2%had a spherical equivalent≥+2.00 D,and 10.4%had astigmatism≥1 D.There was a statistically(but non-clinically)significant myopic change in spherical equivalent refractive error with age(P<0.001).The prevalence of myopia increased with age(P<0.001)but not hyperopia(P=0.59)or astigmatism(P=0.51).Males had a significantly higher hyperopic spherical equivalent than females(P<0.001).Females had a higher prevalence of myopia(P<0.001)than males,but there was no difference in the hyperopia(P=0.74)or astigmatism prevalence(P=0.87).CONCLUSION:The prevalence of a spherical equivalent equal to or less than-0.50 D(myopia,20.7%)is one of the highest among similar-aged children worldwide.Further studies should explore the rate of myopia progression in children in Puerto Rico.Individual children must be monitored to examine the need for treatment of myopia progression.

Uncorrected refractive errors are important causes of avoidable visual impairment in Hungary: re-evaluation of two existing national data sets

·AIM: To review existing data for the prevalence of corrected, uncorrected, and inadequately corrected refractive errors and spectacle wear in Hungary.·METHODS: Data from two nationwide cross-sectional studies were analysed. The Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness study collected population-based representative national data on the prevalence of visual impairment due to uncorrected refractive errors and spectacle coverage in 3523 people aged ≥50y(Group I). The Comprehensive Health Test Program of Hungary provided data on the use of spectacles in 80 290 people aged ≥18y(Group Ⅱ).·RESULTS: In Group I, almost half of the survey population showed refractive errors for distant vision, about 10% of which were uncorrected(3.2% of all male participants and 5.0% of females). The distance spectacle coverage was 90.7%(91.9% in males;90.2% in females). The proportion of inadequate distance spectacles was found to be 33.1%. Uncorrected presbyopia was found in 15.7% of participants. In all age groups(Group Ⅱ), 65.4% of females and 56.0% of males used distance spectacles,and approximately 28.9% of these spectacles were found to be inappropriate for dioptric power(with 0.5 dioptres or more). The prevalence of inaccurate distance spectacles was significantly higher in older age groups(71y and above) in both sexes.·CONCLUSION: According to this population-based data, uncorrected refractive errors are not rare in Hungary. Despite recent national initiatives, fur ther steps are required to reduce uncorrected refractive errors and associated negative effects on vision, such as avoidable visual impairment.

Residual refractive errors in pseudophakic eyes and related factors:a population-based study

AIM: To determine residual refractive error after cataract surgery in pseudophakic eyes and its relationship with age, sex, and axial length(AL).METHODS: In this population-based cross-sectional study, the sampling was performed on individuals aged 60y and above in Tehran, Iran using a multi-stage stratified random cluster sampling method. Pseudophakic eyes with a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/32 or better were analyzed and their refractive results were reported.RESULTS: The mean spherical equivalent(SE) refraction was-0.34±0.97 diopters(D) and the mean absolute SE was 0.72±0.74 D with a median of 0.5 D. Moreover, 32.68%(n=546, 95%CI: 30.27%-35.08%), 53.67%(n=900, 95%CI: 51.23%-56.1%), 68.99%(n=1157, 95%CI: 66.96%-71.02%), and 79.73%(n=1337, 95%CI: 77.69%-81.76%) of the eyes had a residual SE within ±0.25, ±0.50, ±0.75, and ±1.00 D of emmetropia, respectively. According to the multiple logistic regression model, increasing age was associated with a statistically significant decrease in predictability for all cut points. Moreover, the predictability based on all cut points was significantly lower in individuals with an AL longer than 24.5 mm than in those with an AL between 22 to 24.5 mm.CONCLUSION: Based on the results, the accuracy of intraocular lens(IOL) power calculation is lower for those who underwent cataract surgery during the last 5y in Tehran, Iran. Among the most important influential factors, the choice of IOL or it's power disproportionate to eye conditions and age can be mentioned.

Refractive errors in high myopic eyes after phacovitrectomy for macular hole

AIM: To examine the refractive prediction error in high myopic eyes after phacovitrectomy.METHODS: This retrospective comparative case series included 91 eyes(18 high myopic eyes and 73 non-high myopic eyes) of 91 patients who underwent successful phacovitrectomy(phacoemulsification, intraocular lens implantation, and pars plana vitrectomy). The high myopic eyes were defined as the eye with more than 26.0mm of axial length. The postoperative prediction error of mean error and mean absolute error were evaluated at4 mo postoperatively. Axial length and keratometry measurement were performed preoperatively and 4mo postoperatively using the IOL Master.RESULTS: The refractive outcome after phacovitrectomy showed significantly greater myopic shift in the high myopic eyes [-1.08 ±0.87 diopters(D)] than that in the non-high myopic eyes(-0.43 ±0.63 D, P =0.004). Axial length and keratometric value in the high myopic eyes were significantly increased(P =0.043, 0.037 respectively),whereas those in the non-high myopic group were not significantly increased(P =0.135, 0.347 respectively). The change of the axial length in the myopic eye(0.46±0.28 mm)was greater than that in the non- high myopic eye(0.11 ± 0.34 mm; P 【0.001).CONCLUSION: High myopic eyes showed more myopic shift than non-high myopic eyes after phacovitrectomy.The cause of myopic shift in high myopic eyes seems tobe attributed to actual elongation of the axial length in high myopia.

Correlation analysis and multiple regression formulas of refractive errors and ocular components

The multiple regression formulas and correlation of ocular components with refractive errors are presented by Gaussian optics. The refractive error changing rate for the cornea and lens power, the axial length, anterior chamber depth(ACD) and vitreous chamber depth(VCD) are calculated, including nonlinear terms for more accurate rate functions than the linear theory. Our theory, consistent with the empirical data, shows that the Pearson correlation coefficients for spherical equivalent(SE) and ocular components are highest for SE with axial length, ACD and VCD and weakest for corneal power, lens power and lens thickness. Moreover, our regression formulas show the asymmetric feature of the correlation that the axial length, ACD and VCD are more strongly correlated(with higher negative regression constants) with refractive errors in eyes with hyperopia than in eyes with myopia, particularly for severe hyperopia.

Refractive surgery: the most cost-saving technique in refractive errors correction

AIM： To compare the lifetime and annual economic burden of spectacles, contact lenses, and refractive surgery in correction of refractive errors.METHODS： This is a cross-sectional study with convenience sampling which 120 patients were interviewed in a tertiary referral hospital in the Iranian health care system. The bottom-up based cost of illness approach was estimated using a face-to-face interview to assess the direct and indirect cost of different refractive errors correction of any correction technologies. RESULTS： Correction with spectacle imposes a total direct cost of US dollar （US$） 342.5 （±8.41） per year and US$9373.5 （±230.1） per lifetime to each patient. These figures for the contact lenses were obtained US$198.3 （±0.12） and US$5203.1 （±256.3） and for refractive surgery were obtained US$19.1 （±1.2） and US$568.1 （±64.6）, respectively. Overall, based on age-adjusted prevalence rates, astigmatism had the highest share of refractive errors economic burden with a lifetime direct cost of slightly less than US$5.49 billion, while hyperopia and myopia imposed less than US$5.24 and 4.2 billion on patients, respectively. The annually imposed cost on each individual Iranian patient with refractive errors is US$308.5. CONCLUSION： Based on 18mo post refractive surgery course observation, which is generalized to whole life, refractive surgery significantly imposed much less cost compared with spectacles and contact lenses. Refractive errors among Iranians result in considerable economic burden. Using the refractive surgery instead of other two correction methods has the ability to reduce this economic loss in the future.

Prevalence of refractive errors in Hungary reveals three-fold increase in myopia

AIM:To examine the prevalence and composition of refractive errors in Hungary.METHODS:Nationwide cross-sectional data collected between 2014 and 2019 were analysed from the Comprehensive Health Screening Program of Hungary,which provided spectacle dioptric power and autorefractometry data for 68227 people(35850 women and 32377 men).Their age distribution,18-99y,was similar to the national demographic distributions.RESULTS:Of the total population,16.50%of the refractive errors exhibited hyperopia,40.05%emmetropia,and 43.45%myopia.Myopia was 3 times more frequent(58.7%)in younger ages(18-35y of age)compared to older age groups(19.4%of those 56-70y of age;P<0.001).High myopia showed a low prevalence(0.21%),and an increase parallel with ageing(r=0.716;P=0.009).CONCLUSION:Myopia is the most frequent refractive error in Hungary.The prevalence of myopia is especially increased,up to 2-3 times,in the younger age groups.Nationwide actions need to be taken to reduce the onset of myopia and its associated consequences.

Refractive errors among children, adolescents and adults attending eye clinics in Mexico

AIM：To assess the proportion of refractive errors in the Mexican population that visited primary care optometry clinics in fourteen states of Mexico. METHODS：Refractive data from 676 856 patients aged 6 to 90 y were collected from optometry clinics in fourteen states of Mexico between 2014 and 2015. The refractive errors were classified by the spherical equivalent（SE）, as follows：sphere＋？ cylinder. Myopia（SE〉-0.50 D）, hyperopia（SE〉＋0.50 D）, emmetropia（-0.50≤SE≤＋0.50）, and astigmatism alone（cylinder≥-0.25 D）. A negative cylinder was selected as a notation.RESULTS：The proportion（95% confidence interval） among all of the subjects was hyperopia 21.0%（20.9-21.0）, emmetropia 40.7%（40.5-40.8）, myopia 24.8%（24.7-24.9） and astigmatism alone 13.5%（13.4-13.5）. Myopia was the most common refractive error and frequency seemed to increase among the young population（10 to 29 years old）, however, hyperopia increased among the aging population（40 to 79 years old）, and astigmatism alone showed a decreasing trend with age（6 to 90y; from 19.7% to 10.8%）. There was a relationship between age and all refractive errors（approximately 60%, aged 50 and older）. The proportion of any clinically important refractive error was higher in males（61.2%） than in females（58.3%; P〈0.0001）. From fourteen states that collected information, the proportion of refractive error showed variability in different geographical areas of Mexico.CONCLUSION：Myopia is the most common refractive error in the population studied. This study provides the first data on refractive error in Mexico. Further programs and studies must be developed to address the refractive errors needs of the Mexican population.

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

AIM:To evaluate the prevalence of refractive errors and ocular biometry in 3573 freshman students at Tianjin Medical University for 4 consecutive years.METHODS:In this university-based, cross-sectional study, comprising 3573 students, visual acuity(VA), slitlamp examination, non-cycloplegic auto-refraction, and ocular biometry were recorded.RESULTS: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-therule 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).CONCLUSION: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.

Prevalence of visual impairment and refractive errors in an urban area of Mexico

AIM: To determine the distribution of refractive errors in a school-age population in Quintana Roo(Mexico) in the framework of an international cooperation campaign for the prevention of blindness. METHODS: A sample of 2647 school-age children(ranging from 5 to 14 years old) with a mean age of 9.1±1.9 years old were tested by trained volunteers for distance visual acuity(VA) and refractive errors. The first screening examination included uncorrected distance visual acuity(UDVA) and VA with a +2.00 D lens. Inclusion criteria for a second complete cycloplegic eye examination performed by an optometrist were UDVA <20/25(0.10 logMAR or 0.8 decimal) and/or VA with +2.00 D ≥20/25.RESULTS: A total of 633(23.9%) children underwent the second complete eye examination. Mean logMAR UDVA was 0.035±0.094(range 1.00 to 0.00 logMAR) for the right eyes and 0.036±0.160(range 1.00 to 0.00 logMAR) for the left eyes. Bilateral amblyopia was found in 17 children(2.7% of refracted eyes;0.64% of the total). The main reason for visual impairment(VI) in the sample analyzed was found to be refractive errors. In 12 children(1.9% of refracted eyes;0.45% of the total) the VI was bilateral and 9(1.4% of refracted eyes;0.34% of the total) achieved a corrected distance visual acuity of 20/25 or better in both eyes. Mean magnitude of sphere and refractive cylinder was +0.20±0.96 D and-0.43±0.85 D in right eyes, and +0.24±1.08 and-0.43±0.83 D in left eyes. The proportion of myopic eyes [standard equivalent(SE) ≤-0.50 D] was 4.6% of the whole sample(5290 eyes). The mean magnitude of myopia was-0.84±3.44 D for the right eyes and-0.82±5.21 D for the left eyes. The proportion of hyperopic patients(SE≥+2.00 D) was 2.4%(15/633), which corresponded to 0.60% of the whole sample(32/5290 eyes). No statistically significant correlation of age to manifest sphere or cylinder was found.CONCLUSION: VI due to uncorrected refractive errors can be easily corrected with glasses but it is still a burden to be treated. Myopia is prevalent in this sample. More efforts towards correcting uncorrected refractive errors are needed.

Prevalence of refractive errors among primary school children in a tropical area,Southeastern Iran

Objective: To determine the prevalence of refractive errors among primary school children in Zahedan District, Southeastern Iran, as a tropical area.Methods: In this cross sectional study, a total of 400 students were selected randomly using multi-stage sampling technique. Myopia was defined as spherical equivalent(SE)of-0.5 diopter(D) or more, hyperopia was defined as SE of +2.00 D or more and a cylinder refraction greater than 0.75 D was considered astigmatism. Anisometropia was defined as a difference of 1 D or more between two eyes. Cycloplegic refractive status was measured using auto-refractometer(Topcon 8800). Data were analyzed using SPSS,version 22 software program.Results: Mean ± SD of SE was(1.71 ± 1.16) D. A total of 20 students [6.3%, 95%confidence interval(CI): 3.96%–9.64%] were myopic(-0.5 D), 186 students(58.1%,95% CI: 52.50%–63.56%) were hyperopic( +2.00 D) and 114 students(35.6%, 95%CI: 30.43%–41.18%) were emmetropic. The prevalence of astigmatism( 0.75 D)among students was 3.4%(95% CI: 1.82%–6.25%). Anisometropia of 1 D or more was found in 21.3%(95% CI: 16.98%–26.23%) of the studied population. The prevalence of refractive errors was higher among girls than boys(73.1% vs. 55.6%, P = 0.001), but it was not significantly different among different age groups(P = 0.790).Conclusions: Refractive errors affect a sizable portion of students in Zahedan. Although myopia is not very prevalent, the high rate of hyperopia in the studied population emphasizes its need for attention.

Main visual symptoms associated with refractive errors and spectacle need in a Brazilian population

AIM： To determine the main visual symptoms in a Brazilian population sample, associated to refractive errors（REs） and spectacle need to suggest priorities in preventive programs.METHODS： A cross-sectional study was conducted in nine counties of the southeast region of Brazil, using a systematic sampling of households, between March 2004 and July 2005. The population was defined as individuals aged between 1 and 96 y, inhabitants of 3600 residences to be evaluated and 3012 households were included,corresponding to 8010 subjects considered for participation in the survey, of whom 7654 underwent ophthalmic examinations. The individuals were evaluated according their demographic data, eye complaints and eye examination including the RE and the need to prescribe spectacles according to age. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software package and descriptive analysis using 95% confidence intervals（P〈0.05）. RESULTS： The main symptom detected was asthenopia, most frequent in the 2ndand 3rddecades of life, with a significant decline after the 4thdecade.Astigmatism was the RE most associated with asthenopia. Reduced near vision sight was more frequent in those ≥40y with a progressive decline thereafter.Spectacles were most frequently required in subjects of≥40 years of age.CONCLUSION： The main symptom related to the vision was asthenopia and was associated to astigmatism. The greatest need for spectacles prescription occurred after40＇s, mainly to correct near vision. Subjects of ≥40years old were determined to be at high risk of uncorrected REs. These observations can guide intervention programs for the Brazilian population.

Prevalence of Refractive Errors in the Total Population and the Analysis of Myopic Progression in Adults Aged 20 to 39 in the Urban Area of Tirana, Albania

This study is a retrospective analysis of data stored digitally for 13 years in a Vision Center located in the urban area of Tirana, Albania. In a population of 19,686 people (39.5% M and 60.5% F) who met the criteria, there was a prevalence of astigmatism 42% (12% only astigmatism, 30% associated with hyperopia or myopia), myopia 25%, hyperopia 22% and 24% presbyopic prescriptions for the medium and near distance. The myopia progression study (mean spherical equivalent) indicates that 20% of people had no change, 42% had an increase in myopic correction from 0.25D to 0.50D, 17% from 0.75D to 1.00D, 11% from 1.25D to 1.50D, 5% from 1.75D to 2.00D and 5% of the population had myopic progression greater than 2.00D.

Prevalence of refractive errors in Villa Maria,Córdoba,Argentina

Background:Refractive errors are among the most frequent reasons for demand of eye-care services.Publications on refractive errors prevalence in our country are few.This study has the purpose to assess the prevalence of refractive errors in an adult population of Villa Maria,Córdoba,Argentina.Methods:The Villa Maria Eye Study is a population-based cross-sectional study conducted in the city of Villa Maria,Córdoba,Argentina from May 2008 to November 2009.Subject’s aged 40+received a demographic interview and complete ophthalmological exam.Visual acuity was obtained with an ETDRS chart.Cycloplegic auto refraction was performed.The spherical equivalent was highly correlated between right and left eyes,so only data of right eyes are presented.Myopia and hyperopia were defined with a±0.50 diopters(D)criterion and astigmatism>1 D.Results:This study included 646 subjects,aged 40 to 90(mean age:59.6±10.3 years old).Four hundred and sixty two(71.5%)were females.The mean spherical equivalent was+0.714±2.41 D(range,-22.00 to+8.25 D)and the power of the cylinder was,on average,-0.869±0.91 D(range,0 to-6.50 D).In this sample,61.6%subjects were hyperopic,and 13.5%were myopic.Myopia prevalence was lower in men(9.8%versus14.9%)but this difference among genders was not statistically significant.There were 141 subjects(21.8%)with anisometropia greater than 1 D,and 168 subjects(26.0%)with astigmatism greater than 1 D.Conclusions:The present study shows the prevalence of cycloplegic refractive errors in an adult population of Argentina.The prevalence of hyperopia was high,while myopia prevalence was very low.

Axial length,vitreoretinal pathology,and anterior chamber depth can predict postoperative refractive outcomes in phacovitrectomy/silicone oil removal

AIM:To evaluate the postoperative refractive prediction error(PE)and determine the factors that af fect the refractive outcomes of combined pars plana vitrectomy(PPV)or silicone oil removal(SOR)with cataract surgery.METHODS:The study is a retrospective,case-series study.Totally 301 eyes of 301 patients undergoing combined PPV/SOR with cataract surgery were enrolled.Eligible individuals were separated into four groups according to their preoperative diagnoses:silicone oil-filled eyes after PPV(group 1),epiretinal membrane(group 2),macular hole(group 3),and primary retinal detachment(RD;group 4).The variables af fecting postoperative refractive outcomes were analyzed,including age,gender,preoperative best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA),axial length(AL),keratometry average,anterior chamber depth(ACD),intraocular tamponade,and vitreoretinal pathology.The outcome measurements include the mean refractive PE and the proportions of eyes with a PE within±0.50 diopter(D)and±1.00 D.RESULTS:For all patients,the mean PE was-0.04±1.17 D,and 50.17%of patients(eyes)had a PE within±0.50 D.There was a significant difference in refractive outcomes among the four groups(P=0.028),with RD(group 4)showing the least favorable refractive outcome.In multivariate regression analysis,only AL,vitreoretinal pathology,and ACD were strongly associated with PE(all P<0.01).Univariate analysis revealed that longer eyes(AL>26 mm)and a deeper ACD were correlated with hyperopic PE,and shorter eyes(AL<26 mm)and a shallower ACD were correlated with myopic PE.CONCLUSION:RD patients have the least favorable refractive outcome.AL,vitreoretinal pathology,and ACD are strongly associated with PE in the combined surgery.These three factors affect refractive outcomes and thus can be used to predict a better postoperative refractive outcome in clinical practice.

The prevalence of vision impairment and refractive error in 3654 first year students at Tianjin Medical University

AIM：To determine the prevalence of vision impairment（VI）and refractive error in first year university students at the Tianjin Medical University.METHODS：This is a cross-sectional observational cohort study of VI and refractive error among first year university students at the Tianjin Medical University.The first year university students were involved in this study and were given a detailed questionnaire including age,birth date,and spectacle wearing history.A standardized ophthalmologic examination including visual acuity（VA）,slit-lamp examination,non-cycloplegic auto-refraction,objective refraction,fundus photography,and examination of their spectacles were recorded.RESULTS：A total of 3654 participants were included in this study.Totally 3436（94.03%） individuals had VI in this population.Totally 150（4.10%） individuals had VI due to ocular disease,including amblyopia,congenital cataract,retinal atrophy or degeneration,strabismus,congenital nystagmus,refractive surgery orthokeratology.Totally 3286（89.93%） subjects had VI due to refractive error.Only 218（5.97%） students were emmetropia.Moreover,refractive error was the main cause for the VI（95.63%）.Totally 3242（92.52%） students were myopia and the prevalence of mild,moderate,and high myopia subgroup was 27.05%,44.35%,and 21.26% respectively.Totally 44（1.29%） subjects were hyperopic.The rates of uncorrected visual acuity（UCVA）,presenting visual acuity（PVA）and best corrected visual acuity（BCVA）which better than 20/20 in both eyes were 5.65%,22.32% and 82.13% respectively.The rates of correction,under correction and well correction in myopia subjects were 82.73%,84.39% and 15.61%,respectively. CONCLUSION：We present a high prevalence of refractive errors and high rates of under correction refractive error among first year university students.These results may help to promote vision protection work in young adults.

Effect of refractive error on temperament and character properties

AIM: To determine the effect of refractive error on temperament and character properties using Cloninger’s psychobiological model of personality.METHODS: Using the Temperament and Character Inventory(TCI), the temperament and character profiles of 41 participants with refractive errors(17 with myopia,12 with hyperopia, and 12 with myopic astigmatism) were compared to those of 30 healthy control participants.Here, temperament comprised the traits of novelty seeking, harm-avoidance, and reward dependence, while character comprised traits of self-directedness,cooperativeness, and self-transcendence.RESULTS: Participants with refractive error showed significantly lower scores on purposefulness,cooperativeness, empathy, helpfulness, and compassion(P 【0.05, P 【0.01, P 【0.05, P 【0.05, and P 【0.01,respectively).CONCLUSION: Refractive error might have a negative influence on some character traits, and different types of refractive error might have different temperament and character properties. These personality traits may be implicated in the onset and/or perpetuation of refractive errors and may be a productive focus for psychotherapy.