Characteristics of peripheral refractive errors in eyes of patients with non-amblyopic myopic anisometropia.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate relative peripheral refractive (RPR) characteristics in children with non-amblyopic myopic anisometropia and explore potential associations between relative peripheral refractive errors (RPRE) and myopia. METHODS: Relative peripheral refractive errors were assessed in 64 children diagnosed with non-amblyopic myopic anisometropia utilizing multispectral refraction topography (MRT). Two eyes of each patient were divided into into the more myopia eyes group (ME) and the fellow eyes group (FE). Evaluated parameters encompassed total defocus values (TRDV), defocus values at eccentricities spanning 0 to 15 degrees (RDV-15), 0 to 30 degrees (RDV-30), 0 to 45 degrees (RDV-45), as well as superior (RDV-S), inferior (RDV-I), temporal (RDV-T), and nasal (RDV-N) positions. RESULTS: The study revealed a noteworthy contrast in TRDV values between Group ME (0.52 ± 0.36) and Group FE (0.17 ± 0.41), with a substantial significance (P < 0.0001). While no significant RDV-15 difference emerged between Group ME (0.01 ± 0.05) and Group FE (-0.01 ± 0.07) (P > 0.05), a meaningful RDV-30 difference existed between Group ME (0.11 ± 0.14) and Group FE (0.03 ± 0.19) (P = 0.0017). A significant discrepancy in RDV-45 was also observed between Group ME (0.39 ± 0.29) and Group FE (0.13 ± 0.34) (P < 0.001). Notably, RDV-I and RDV-T positions demonstrated marked differences between Group ME and Group FE (P < 0.0001), whereas no significant disparity was noted in RDV-S and RDV-N positions (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Eyes exhibiting greater myopia manifested more hyperopic peripheral defocus in the context of anisometropia. MRT as a novel ophthalmic evaluation technique, holds promising potential for broader clinical applications in the future.

Refractive Errors of School Children from Economically Disadvantaged Areas in Northwest México.

Background: Refractive errors, including myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, are the leading causes of visual impairment in school-aged children and can significantly impact their academic performance and quality of life. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of refractive errors among school children from economically disadvantaged areas in Northwest México, using a consistent methodology to facilitate comparison with global data. Methods: We adopted the Refractive Error Study in Children (RESC) protocol by the World Health Organization to examine the prevalence of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. The study comprised a systematic sampling of children aged 6 to 18 years from diverse schools in Northwest México. Trained optometrists conducted visual acuity testing and autorefraction, while ophthalmologists performed cycloplegic refraction to ensure accuracy. Results: The study found a myopia (SE ≤-1.50 D at least one eye) prevalence of 14.55% (95% CI: 13.27-15.91), with a higher incidence in females (6.92%) compared to males (6.00%) in at least one eye. Hyperopia (SE ≥ +1.00 D at least one eye) was less common, at 3.23% (95% CI: 2.61-3.95), with a slightly higher occurrence in males in at least one eye. Astigmatism (Cylinder ≥ 0.75 D at least one eye) was present in 18.63% (95% CI: 17.21-20.12) of the students in at least one eye, with no significant difference between genders. These findings are consistent with other studies in regions such as Puerto Rico and Iran, indicating widespread refractive error issues among schoolchildren. Conclusions: The high prevalence of refractive errors, particularly myopia and astigmatism, highlights the critical need for regular vision screenings in schools and the implementation of public health interventions to provide corrective eyewear. Our study confirms the importance of utilizing standardized methodologies like the RESC protocol to compare refractive error prevalence across different geographical and socio-economic contexts, thereby informing global public health strategies.

Assessment of refractive errors, amblyopia, strabismus, and low vision among hearing-impaired and deaf students in Kermanshah.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Refractive errors, amblyopia, strabismus, and low vision are more common among children with hearing impairments in comparison with their hearing peers. Neglecting visual disorders can pose educational and social problems for these children. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of refractive errors, amblyopia, strabismus, and low vision among hearing-impaired and deaf students in Kermanshah. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 79 deaf and hearing impaired students within the age range of 7-20 years (mean age of 15.01 ± 2.72) underwent optometric examinations, including autorefractometry, retinoscopy, ophthalmoscopy, slit lamp, visual acuity measurement, and cover-uncover test. Those who needed further evaluation were referred to the Ophthalmology Clinic of Imam Khomeini Hospital. RESULTS: Regarding the prevalence of refractive errors, 32 (40.5%) subjects had one or a combination of refractive errors, the most common of which was astigmatism (36.7%), followed by amblyopia (15.1%). The most common type of strabismus was latent strabismus (heterophoria) (88.6%), followed by exophoria (81%). Moreover, 3 (3.7%) cases had nystagmus. A significant difference was observed between the prevalence of amblyopia and the degree of hearing loss (P = 0.026), and no significant difference was detected in other cases. CONCLUSION: As evidenced by the obtained results, refractive errors, amblyopia, strabismus, and low vision are more prevalent among deaf and hearing-impaired children compared to normal children because deaf and hearing-impaired children are not able to convey their vision problems and need to compensate for their poor hearing with an enhanced sense of sight, inattention to these disorders can present these children with serious educational and social problems. Therefore, eye screening examinations are of paramount importance in deaf and hearing-impaired children.

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.

Continued care and provision of glasses are necessary to improve visual and academic outcomes in children: Experience from a cluster-randomized controlled trial of school-based vision screening.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of a kindergarten vision screening program by randomly assigning schools to receive or not receive vision screening, then following up 1.5 years later. METHODS: Fifty high-needs elementary schools were randomly assigned to participate or not in a vision screening program for children in senior kindergarten (SK; age 5‒6 years). When the children were in Grade 2 (age 6‒7 years), vision screening was conducted at all 50 schools. RESULTS: Contrary to expectations, screened and non-screened schools did not differ in the prevalence of suspected amblyopia in Grade 2 (8.6% vs. 7.5%, p = 0.10), nor prevalence of other visual problems such as astigmatism (45.1% vs. 47.1%, p = 0.51). There was also no difference between screened and non-screened schools in academic outcomes such as the proportion of children below grade level in reading (33% vs. 29%) or math (44% vs. 38%) (p = 0.86). However, more children were wearing glasses in screened than in non-screened schools (10.2% vs. 7.8%, p = 0.05), and more children reported their glasses as missing or broken (8.3% vs. 4.7%, p = 0.01), suggesting that SK screening had identified successfully those in need of glasses. Examination of individual results revealed that 72% of children diagnosed and treated for amblyopia in SK no longer had amblyopia in Grade 2. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of amblyopia and other visual problems was not reduced in Grade 2 by our SK vision screening program, perhaps because of poor treatment compliance and high attrition. The results suggest that a single screening intervention is insufficient to reduce visual problems among young children. However, the data from individuals with amblyopia suggest that continuing vision care and access to glasses benefits children, especially children from lower socioeconomic class.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: Évaluer l'efficacité d'un programme de dépistage visuel à l'école maternelle (EM) en assignant aléatoirement des écoles à participer ou non à un tel programme, puis en faisant un suivi un an et demi après. MéTHODES: Cinquante écoles primaires pour étudiants et étudiantes ayant des besoins importants ont été assignées aléatoirement à participer ou non à un programme de dépistage visuel auprès des enfants fréquentant la maternelle (EM; 5‒6 ans). Lorsque ces enfants étaient en 2e année (6‒7 ans), un dépistage visuel a été effectué dans les 50 écoles. RéSULTATS: Contre toute attente, il n'y a pas eu de différence entre les écoles ayant participé ou non au dépistage dans la prévalence de l'amblyopie présumée en 2e année (8,6 % contre 7,5 %, p = 0,10), ni dans la prévalence d'autres problèmes de vision comme l'astigmatisme (45,1 % contre 47,1 %, p = 0,51). Il n'y a pas eu non plus de différence dans les résultats scolaires des deux groupes d'écoles, comme la proportion d'enfants dont le niveau en lecture (33 % contre 29 %) ou en mathématiques (44 % contre 38 %), p = 0,86, ne correspondait pas à leur année d'étude. Cependant, le nombre d'enfants portant des lunettes était plus élevé dans les écoles ayant participé au dépistage que dans les autres écoles (10,2 % contre 7,8 %, p = 0,05), ainsi que le nombre d'enfants disant avoir perdu ou brisé leurs lunettes (8,3 % contre 4,7 %, p = 0,01), ce qui indique que le dépistage en maternelle a identifié avec succès les enfants ayant besoin de lunettes. L'examen des résultats individuels a révélé que 72 % des enfants diagnostiqués et traités pour l'amblyopie en maternelle ne présentaient plus d'amblyopie en 2e année. CONCLUSION: Notre programme de dépistage visuel à l'école maternelle n'a pas réduit la prévalence de l'amblyopie et d'autres problèmes de vision en 2e année, peut-être en raison du manque d'assiduité au traitement et d'une attrition importante. Les résultats indiquent qu'une seule intervention de dépistage ne suffit pas à réduire les problèmes de vision chez les jeunes enfants. Cependant, les données individuelles des sujets présentant une amblyopie indiquent qu'il est avantageux pour les enfants, et surtout ceux de la classe socioéconomique inférieure, de continuer de recevoir des soins de la vue et d'avoir accès à des lunettes.

Refraction and ocular biometric parameters in 3-to 6-year-old preschool children : a large-scale population-based study in Chengdu, China.

PURPOSE: To understand the ocular biometric parameters characteristics and refractive errors in 3-to 6-year-old preschool children in Chengdu, China, and to investigate the prevalence of refractive errors. METHOD: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Chengdu from 2020 to2022 with a total of 666 kindergartens. All children were measured by non-cycloplegic autorefraction and uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and ocular biometric parameters. Finally, univariate linear regression models were used to analyze the relationship between ocular biometric parameters and refraction. RESULTS: A total of 108,578 preschool children aged 3-6 underwent examinations, revealing a myopia prevalence of 6.1%. The mean axial length (AL), keratometry (K), corneal radius (CR), axial length/corneal radius (AL/CR) Ratio, central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT), and vitreous chamber depth (VCD) were 22.35 ± 0.69 mm, 43.35 ± 1.58 D, 7.80 ± 0.28 mm, 2.87 ± 0.08, 533.31 ± 32.51 µm, 2.70 ± 0.28 mm, 3.91 ± 0.27 mm, and 15.20 ± 0.68 mm, respectively. With increasing age, AL, CR, AL/CR ratio, CCT, ACD, LT, and VCD also increased. Regardless of age, males consistently exhibited longer AL, flatter corneal curvature, shallower ACD, thicker CCT, thinner LT, and longer VCD compared to females. AL, K, CR, LT, and VCD all showed significant linear relationships with SE (all P < 0.001) in univariate linear regression analysis after adjusting for gender and age. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of myopia among preschool children aged 3-6 in Chengdu is relatively low. Ocular biometric parameters affecting refractive errors include AL, K, CR, LT, and VCD. The preschool period serves as a critical phase for myopia prevention and control.

Ethnicity and refractive errors in Peruvian children aged 7-11 years: A five-year analysis of the Demographic and Health Survey.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between ethnicity and self-reported refractive errors (REs) among Peruvian children aged 7-11 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study incorporating a secondary data analysis of 2017-2021 data from the Peruvian Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). REs and ethnicity were obtained from focal child's mother's report. Four outcomes were assessed: hyperopia, myopia, astigmatism and any RE. We included potential confounders, such as age, sex, wealth index, area of residence, region of origin, frequency of watching TV and watching screens at less than 30 cm distance. Generalised linear models with the Poisson family and log link function were used to calculate crude prevalence ratio and adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS: Data from a total of 52,753 children were included. The prevalence of RE in children aged 7-11 years was 10.90% (95% CI 10.49-11.33), of which 5.19% were hyperopia, 3.35% myopia and 2.36% astigmatism. Those of the Aymara ethnicity were less likely to suffer from any RE and astigmatism (aPR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.46-0.99, p = 0.046; aPR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.53-0.92, p = 0.012, respectively), Members of Amazon groups were more likely to have hyperopia (aPR = 1.95, 95% CI 1.14-3.36, p = 0.015) and Quechuas were more likely to have myopia (aPR =1.29, 95% CI 1.02-1.62, p = 0.028), where all were compared to Mestizos. CONCLUSION: About 1 in 10 Peruvian children suffer from a RE. The most frequent RE in this study was hyperopia. Ethnic differences were seen in the frequency of RE.

Aspectos a considerar para el diagnóstico del queratocono infantil

Introducción: Globalmente, existe un aumento de la prevalencia del queratocono y su diagnóstico en edades tempranas. Se notifican un gran número de casos subclínicos y otros con una rápida progresión, condicionada por el inicio precoz de la enfermedad y la asociación a factores de riesgo. Objetivo: Describir los aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos y el resultado de los medios de diagnóstico implicados en la detección precoz del queratocono infantil. Desarrollo: En niños con ametropía hay elementos que alertan la presencia de un queratocono como causa del defecto refractivo. Desde el punto de vista epidemiológico se encuentran: distribución geográfica, rol de la herencia y factores ambientales. Clínicamente se señalan los antecedentes de enfermedades, tales como las alergias, la presencia de miopía o astigmatismo miópico con inestabilidad refractiva y los signos clínicos relacionados con la progresión del cono. En los pacientes de riesgo es preciso realizar exámenes mediante diferentes medios de diagnóstico según su disponibilidad, siendo primordial el análisis refractivo, queratométrico y topográfico. Conclusiones: En la evaluación de los niños con ametropía se deben tener en cuenta elementos epidemiológicos y clínicos que permiten sospechar y diagnosticar precozmente el queratocono. En la interpretación de los resultados de los medios de diagnóstico involucrados en su detección, se deben considerar los hallazgos más frecuentes en la población infantil según el grado de progresión de la ectasia.

Introduction: Globally, there is an increase of the keratoconus prevalence and its diagnosis in early ages. A great number of subclinical cases and others with a quick progression are notified, conditioned by the early onset of the disease and the association with risk factors. Objective: To describe the epidemiological, clinical aspects and the result of diagnostic means involved in the early detection of infant keratoconus. Development: There are elements that alert the presence of a keratoconus as a cause of the refractive defect in children with ametropia. From the epidemiologic point of view they are: geographical distribution, heredity role and environmental factors. History of previous diseases are clinically pointed out, such as allergies, myopia or myopic astigmatism with refractive instability and the clinical signs related to cone progression. In risk patients it is necessary to carry out exams by means of different diagnostic means according to their availability, being essential the refractive, keratometric and topographic analysis. Conclusions: In the evaluation of children with ametropia, epidemiological and clinical elements should be taken into account that allow to suspect and early diagnose the keratoconus. In the interpretation of results of the diagnostic means involved in their detection the most frequent findings in the infant population, should be considered according to the ectasia degree of progression.

Refractive outcomes using Barrett formulas and patient characteristics of cataract surgery patients with and without prior LASIK/PRK.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study is to describe characteristics of cataract surgery patients who previously underwent laser in situ keratomileusis/photorefractive keratectomy (LASIK/PRK) in comparison to non-LASIK/PRK cataract surgery patients including psychiatric comorbidities, as well as describe refractive prediction error after cataract surgery while accounting for axial length (AL) using the Barrett True-K and Barrett Universal II formulas. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients from the University of Colorado Cataract Outcomes Registry. The primary outcomes were refraction prediction error (RPE), mean absolute RPE, and median absolute RPE. Outcomes were stratified by five axial length groups. Univariate and multivariate models for RPE were stratified by the AL group. RESULTS: Two hundred eighty-one eyes with prior LASIK/PRK and 3101 eyes without are included in the study. Patients with prior LASIK/PRK were significantly younger: 67.0 vs 69.9 years, p < 0.0001. The LASIK/PRK group had significantly better mean pre-operative BCVA in comparison to the non-LASIK group, logMAR 0.204 vs logMAR 0.288, p = 0.003. The LASIK/PRK group had significantly lower rates of cardiovascular disease (18.5% vs 29.3%, p < 0.001), hypertension (49.1% vs 59.3%, p < 0.012), and type 2 diabetes (10.7% vs 26.0%, p < 0.001), and no significant difference in psychiatric disease. The absolute RPE was higher for the LASIK group for all ALs, but only significantly higher for eyes with AL less than 25 mm. CONCLUSION: Patient eyes with prior LASIK/PRK surgery undergoing cataract surgery were significantly younger, had significantly less comorbidities, and a significantly better pre-operative BCVA. Using the Barrett formulas, absolute prediction error for eyes with longer ALs was not significantly worse for LASIK/PRK eyes than those without and the difference was smaller for eyes with longer AL.

The Relationship between Selected Parameters and the Occurrence of Premyopia in a Group of 1155 Children Aged 8 in Northwestern Poland.

Background: Determination of the number of pupils at risk of developing pre-myopia and selected ophthalmic parameters in a group of 1155 children aged 8. Material: Ophthalmic examinations were performed in Polish 8-year-old, /1518 individuals/; 1155 of whom presented complete data for analysis. There was a total of 554 (47.9%) girls and 602 (52.1%) boys. Examination of the anterior and posterior segment of the eye, evaluation of accommodation, convergence, heterophoria, alignment of the eyeball, muscular balance with ocular mobility in 9 directions of gaze, and spatial vision were tested. Refraction was obtained under cycloplegia. Refractions (spherical equivalent, SE). were categorized as pre-myopia (-0.50 D-+0.75 D), myopia (≤-0.5 D), emmetropia (>-0.5 D to ≤+0.5 D), mildly hyperopia (>+0.5 D to ≤+2.0 D) and hyperopia (>+2.0 D). Data analysis was performed using Statistica 13.5 software: chi-squared, Pearson's, t-Student, and U Mann-Whitney tests. p-values of <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Pre-myopia was diagnosed in as many as 704 subjects (60.9%) with a similar frequency among both girls-328 (46.6%)-and boys with 376 (53.4%). Conclusions: Current data indicates that the growing group of myopic individuals in many industrialized countries is the sixth most common cause of blindness. Further research is crucial to understand the factors underlying accommodative and binocular mechanisms for myopia development and progression and to make recommendations for targeted interventions to slow the progression of myopia in a group of early school children.

Clinical profile of amblyopia in a tertiary care facility without proper vision screening in Saudi Arabia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical profile of amblyopia among patients referred to a tertiary care facility in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: All patients between 1 and 14 years presenting to the amblyopia clinic from 2016 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Amblyopia was defined as visual acuity <0.2 LogMAR (20/30) in the worse eye or two-line difference between the two eyes. We classified patients into strabismic, refractive, mixed strabismic, and refractive and deprivation amblyopia. We subclassified our cohort according to age (< and ≥5 years). RESULTS: Three hundred and eighty-three patients (199 male 54%) were seen in our clinic. Seventeen patients were excluded because they did not meet our inclusion criteria. The mean age at presentation was 5.05 ± 2.49 years. Strabismic amblyopia was found in 180 (49%), refractive in 101 (27.6%), mixed in 69 (19%), and deprivation in 16 (4.2%). Anisometropia in 85.25% and isometropia in 14.75%. Hyperopic astigmatism was the most common refractive error in 246 (67.2%). Esotropia was the most common deviation (90%). Strabismic amblyopia was significantly higher in the <5 years group (62.4% vs. 36.7%). While refractive amblyopia was significantly higher in ≥5 years group (38.8% vs. 15.7%) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Strabismic amblyopia was the most commonly diagnosed in our cohort, especially among patients <5 years of age. Refractive amblyopia was more common in older patients and may be under-detected due to the lack of proper vision screening. The implementation of proper vision screening should help in early detection and successful treatment at an early age.

Assessment of tear film parameters in females with refractive errors using a single device: An observational study.

This observational study aimed to evaluate the use of a single portable device to assess the non-invasive tear break-up time (NITBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH), and lipid layer patterns (LLP) in young females with refractive errors (REs). The study was conducted at the College of Applied Medical Science (Female campus), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between January 5, 2021 to May 15, 2021. Forty young females, with mean age of 23.0± 4.3 years with REs (-2.53 ± 2.05 D) and 40 females, mean age 23.8± 4.5 years with healthy eyes were recruited. The tests were administered in the following order: Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), followed by NITBUT, TMH, and LLP. Significant differences (via Mann-Whitney U test) were noted in the median ocular surface disease index (OSDI; p˂0.001), NITBUT (p=0.035), TMH (p=0.009), and LLP (p˂0.001) scores between the study and control groups. Females with REs have significantly lower lipid layer, TMH, and NITBUT scores than those with healthy eyes.

Magnitude and Determinants of Awareness Regarding Refractive Surgeries Among Saudi Adults.

Objectives: This study aimed to present the magnitude and determinants of awareness about refractive surgery among the adult Saudi population and recommend knowledge improvement. Methods: This web-based cross-sectional study was conducted between June 2020 and May 2021 across various regions of Saudi Arabia on the adult Saudi population. A total of 11 close-ended questions regarding indication, contraindication, preparation and surgery procedures were asked. The awareness scores were grouped as 'good' (≥6) or 'poor' (≤5). Demographic and ocular parameters were associated with the outcomes. Results: Of the 6,746 participants, 6,580 (response rate = 97.5%) completed the survey. The participation of younger women and older men was greater than their proportions in the population, while older women participated less than their proportion. Good awareness about refractive surgery was noted in 1,165 (17.7%; 95% confidence interval: 16.2-18.0) participants. Women (P <0.001), the 18-29 age group (P <0.001), residents of the central region of Saudi Arabia (P <0.001), health professionals (P <0.001), health sector students (P = 0.0004), people with myopia (P <0.001) and history of refractive surgery (P <0.001) were associated with good awareness. Women (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.5; P <0.001), health sector students (AOR = 1.57; P <0.001), and residents in the central region (AOR = 1.27; P <0.001) were independent predictors of awareness. Knowledge about contraindications for surgery was good in more than one-third of the participants. Of the 535 participants who underwent surgery in the past, 452 (84.5%) were satisfied with their outcomes. Conclusion: Awareness of refractive surgeries is low in the adult Saudi population. Targeted counseling is recommended to improve the knowledge and acceptance of refractive surgery.

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

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.

Agreement in non-cycloplegic and cycloplegic refraction between a photoscreener and a calibrated autorefractor.

INTRODUCTION: Photoscreeners have been shown to provide excellent measurements of the refractive error. However, whether they could be used for assessing cycloplegic refraction has not been examied. This study aimed to evaluate the agreement between cycloplegic and non-cycloplegic measurements obtained using a photoscreener and stationary autorefractor, respectively. METHODS: This study included all patients undergoing routine ophthalmic examination at the Hygeia Clinic (Poland) from June to July 2022. Each patient underwent non-cycloplegic and cycloplegic refraction assessments using the 2WIN photoscreener (Adaptica SRL, Padova, Italy) and an ARK-1 stationary autorefractor ARK-1 (Nidek Co Ltd., Tokyo, Japan), respectively. Each pair of assessments was conducted in random order, and all values were determined at a vertical distance of 12 mm. The agreement between cycloplegic and non-cycloplegic measurements was assessed using paired t-tests, Bland-Altman and ABCD ellipsoids. RESULTS: This analysis included 82 patients, of which 52 were female. Their mean age was 34.39 ± 13.13 years. The non-cycloplegic spherical equivalent (SE) did not differ significantly between the 2WIN (- 1.22 ± 2.45) and ARK-1 (- 1.19 ± 2.96) devices (p = 0.580). However, the cycloplegic SE values demonstrated more negative values with the 2WIN device (- 1.13 ± 2.19) than with the ARK-1 device (- 0.75 ± 3.03; p = 0.007). The non-cycloplegic and cycloplegic measurements were strongly correlated between the devices (r = 0.9473 and 0.9411, respectively). However, the correlation between their cycloplegic shifts in SE was low (r = 0.2645). Ellipsoid refraction aligned better non-cycloplegic (ARK-1 = 1.00; 2WIN = 1.74) than with cycloplegic refraction (ARK-1 = 1.43; 2WIN = 1.90). CONCLUSION: While the cycloplegic measurements obtained with the 2WIN photoscreener were strongly correlated with those obtained with the ARK-1 stationary autorefractor for most of the analyzed parameters, they should not be considered interchangeable.

Idiopathic scoliosis in subjects with eye diseases: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

Our aim was to find the best evidence on the prevalence of idiopathic scoliosis (IS) in subjects with eye diseases (EDs) and to determine the most common visual alterations that are present. Following the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), a bibliographic search up to June 2023 in the PubMed, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, and CINAHL Complete databases was performed. Observational studies were selected and the results were analyzed with prevalence odds ratio (OR). A total of six studies, including 18,396 subjects, were selected. The group of subjects with EDs was made up of 6048 individuals, of whom 655 (10.83%) had IS. The group of subjects without EDs was made up of 12,348 individuals of whom 444 (3.60%) presented with IS with an OR = 2.91, CI (95%) = [1.75, 4.83]. Blindness was assessed in a single study with an OR = 7.83, CI (95%) = [1.66, 36.90]; all three studies in the refractive error subgroup yielded an OR = 2.24, CI (95%) = [1.10, 4.58]; and the two studies that included subjects with strabismus showed an OR = 3.09, CI (95%) = [1.38, 7.00]. EDs were associated with an almost three times greater odds of having IS. We recommend the inclusion of vision testing in children with IS.

Refractive Errors Among Members of the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic.

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of refractive errors among members of the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic, to recommend a safe way of correcting refractive errors with regard to the specific needs of military personnel (especially members of combat units and flying personnel), and to propose a system for solving these errors in order to increase combat effectivity. Methodology: Questionnaire to determine previous refractive surgery and spectacle correction wear. Measurement of refraction with a hand-held autorefractometer and evaluation of current visual acuity on ETDRS optotypes (Landolt rings). Results: 259 servicemen (518 eyes) were investigated. The return rate of the questionnaires was 100%. The incidence of myopia greater than -0.75D was 22% (113 eyes), myopia greater than -0.5D 32% (166 eyes). The mean value of myopia was -0.78 D (SD ±0.6). Hypermetropia values ranged from +0.25 to +5.0 D. The mean value of hypermetropia was 0.63 D (SD ±0.7). Astigmatism values ranged from -0.25 to -3.75. The mean value of astigmatism was -0.55 Dcyl (SD ±0.49). The average visual acuity was 84.1 letters ETDRS SD (±6.1), visual acuity worse than 80 letters was manifested by 23% of the members of the monitored group. 25 people (10%) had undergone laser refractive surgery. Visual acuity after laser refractive surgery was measured in 19 people (38 eyes). Mean uncorrected post-laser visual acuity was 83.87 (SD ±6.1) ETDRS letters. The mean follow-up period after laser refractive surgery was 6.78 (SD ±4.8) years. Conclusion: Despite the initial selection of military personnel and entry limitations, the prevalence of refractive errors is comparable to the general population. However, in contrast with the general population, refractive errors larger than -3.0 D were not represented in the group. Due to the finding of insufficient correction of refractive errors, increased emphasis should be placed on identifying and regularly observing military personnel with refractive errors

Association Between Peripheral Retinal Defocus and Myopia by Multispectral Refraction Topography in Chinese Children.

Objective: To investigate the association between the peripheral refractive errors of the fundus in different regions and moderate and high myopia. Methods: In this case-control study, 320 children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years were recruited. Peripheral refractive errors were measured using multispectral retinal refractive topography (MRT). Spherical equivalent (SE) and cylinder errors were classified into low, moderate, and high categories based on the magnitude range. Logistic regression was performed to test the factors associated with myopia. Results: There were 152 participants with low myopia and 168 participants with moderate and high myopia included in the current study. Participants with moderate and high myopia were most likely to be older, with larger axial length (AL), lower SE, less time to watch electronic devices on the weekend, a higher difference between central refractive error and paracentral refractive error from the superior side of the retina (RDV-S), but a smaller difference between the central refractive error and paracentral refractive error from the inferior side of the retina (RDV-I) than those with low myopia (all P <0.05). After logistic analysis, female sex (odds ratio [OR] = 4.14; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.16-7.97, P <0.001), AL (OR = 6.88, 95% CI = 4.33-10.93, P <0.001), and RDV-I (OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.32-0.86, P = 0.010) were independent factors for moderate and high myopia. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that the retina peripheral refraction of the eyes (RDV-I) was associated with moderate and high myopia, and RDV-S was only associated with high myopia.

[Global ophthalmology : Update]. / Globale Ophthalmologie : Aktueller Stand.

The aim of global ophthalmology is to maximize vision, ocular health and functional ability, thereby contributing to overall health and well-being, social inclusion and quality of life of every individual worldwide. Currently, an estimated 1.1 billion people live with visual impairment, 90% of which can be prevented or cured through largely cost-effective interventions. At the same time, 90% of people affected live in regions with insufficient eye health coverage. This challenge drove the World Health Organization (WHO) and a group of nongovernmental organizations to launch "VISION 2020: the Right to Sight", a global campaign which recently concluded after 20 years. The achievements, challenges and lessons learned were identified and incorporated into the current campaign "2030 IN SIGHT".

Refractive error and vision related quality of life.

BACKGROUND: To investigate and compare the vision-related quality of life (QOL) in different types of refractive error (RE). METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed on 200 subjects, categorized into four groups of 50 each, consisting of subjects with myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and emmetropia, the latter being the control group. The mean age of the participants was 23.88 ± 5.87 (range, 15 to 38: 110 females and 90 males). RE was defined as myopia, spherical equivalent (SE) < -0.25 diopters (D), hyperopia, SE > + 0.25 D, astigmatism, cylinder < -0.25 D, and emmetropia (-0.25 ≤ SE(D) ≤ + 0.25, cylinder ≥ -0.25). Groups are subdivided into very low magnitudes of RE (0.50 and 0.75) and significant RE (1.00 ≤). Vision-related QOL was assessed using the Persian version of the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25). The NEI-VFQ was scored as visual function and socioemotional scales using Rasch analysis. RESULTS: Corrected myopia, astigmatism, uncorrected myopia, and hyperopia had a lower vision-related QOL than emmetropes. (P < 0.001). Vision-related QOL in myopic subjects was lower than that in astigmatic participants. Very low myopes, who often do not use correction, had a significantly lower QOL than other groups. CONCLUSION: Individuals with refractive errors experience a lower QOL score than those without. Notably, the adverse impact on QOL score is significantly greater in myopic cases, particularly very low myopia, compared to other refractive errors. Therefore, it is strongly recommended not to neglect managing very low myopia since it may improve participants' QOL.