Bi-exponential description for different forms of refractive development.

It was recently established that the axial power, the refractive power required by the eye for a sharp retinal image in an eye of a certain axial length, and the total refractive power of the eye may both be described by a bi-exponential function as a function of age (Rozema, 2023). Inspired by this result, this work explores whether these bi-exponential functions are able to simulate the various known courses of refractive development described in the literature, such as instant emmetropization, persistent hypermetropia, developing hypermetropia, myopia, instant homeostasis, modulated development, or emmetropizing hypermetropes. Moreover, the equations can be adjusted to match the refractive development of school-age myopia and pseudophakia up to the age of 20 years. All of these courses closely resemble those reported in the previous literature while simultaneously providing estimates for the underlying changes in axial and whole eye power.

Distribution and prevalence of refractive error in Iranian adult population results of the PERSIAN eye cohort study PECS.

The Persian Eye Cohort Study, a population-based cross-sectional study from 2015 to 2020, examined refractive error prevalence among 48,618 Iranian adults aged 31 to 70. The study encompassed six centers in Iran, employing random cluster sampling for demographic, medical, and socioeconomic data collection through interviews. Ophthalmic exams included visual acuity, automated and manual objective refraction, subjective refraction, slit lamp, and fundus examinations. Using the spherical equivalent definition, the sample population was categorized into groups. Results indicated a mean age of 49.52 ± 9.31 and a mean refractive error of 0.26 diopters (D) ± 1.6 SD (95% CI - 0.27 to -0.24), ranging from -26.1 to + 18.5 SD. Prevalence of myopia (< -0.5D) and hyperopia (> + 0.5D) was 22.6% (95% CI 22.2-23%) and 12.5% (95% CI 12.1-12.8%), respectively. Regarding different age groups, the prevalence of hyperopia and astigmatism exhibited a steady and significant rise with increasing age (p-value < 0.001 for both). The prevalence of Myopia, however, showed a distinctive pattern, initially increasing in adults under 45, declining in those aged 55-64, and rising again among individuals aged 60 and older. Female gender, older age, urban residency, higher education, higher income, and Fars ethnicity were significantly related to a higher prevalence of myopia (p-value < 0.001 for all). Female gender (p-value < 0.001), aging (p-value < 0.001), urban residency (p-value = 0.029), and lower-income (p-value = 0.005) were significantly related to higher prevalence of hyperopia. Astigmatism (> 1D) was prevalent in 25.5% of participants (95% CI 25.1-25.9%) and correlated with male gender, aging, urban residency, illiteracy, and higher income (p-value < 0.001, < 0.001, < 0.001, < 0.001, 0.014, respectively). The study's comparison with regional and international surveys highlighted the increase in myopia among those over 65 due to higher nuclear cataract rates in older adults. Myopia positively related to education, income, and urban residency, while hyperopia did not exhibit such associations.

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.

The burden, causes, and determinants of blindness and vision impairment in Asia: An analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study.

Background: Asia accounts for more than half of the world's population and carries a substantial proportion of the global burden of blindness and vision impairment. Characterising this burden, as well as its causes and determinants, could help with devising targeted interventions for reducing the occurrence of blindness and visual impairment. Methods: Using the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 database, we retrieved data on the number of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs); crude and age-standardised rates; and the prevalence (with 95% uncertainty intervals (95%UIs)) of blindness and vision loss due to six causes (age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, near-vision impairment, refractive error, and other vision loss) for Asian countries for the period between 1990 and 2019. We defined DALYs as the sum of the years lost due to disability and years of life lost, and calculated age-standardised figures for the number of DALYs and prevalence by adjusting for population size and age structure. We then evaluated the time trend of the disease burden and conducted subgroup analyses by gender, age, geographic locations, and socio-demographic index (SDI). Results: In 2019, the DALYs and prevalence of blindness and vision loss had risen by 90.1% and 116% compared with 1990, reaching 15.84 million DALYs (95% UI = 15.83, 15.85) and 506.71 million cases (95% UI = 506.68, 506.74). Meanwhile, the age-standardised rate of DALYs decreased from 1990 to 2019. Cataracts, refractive error, and near vision impairment were the three most common causes. South Asia had the heaviest regional disease burden (age-standardised rate of DALYs = 517 per 100 000 population; 95% UI = 512, 521). Moreover, the burden due to cataracts ranked high in most Asian populations. Being a woman; being older; and having a lower national SDI were factors associated with a greater vision loss burden. Conclusions: The burden due to vision loss remains high in Asian populations. Cataracts, refractive error, and near vision loss were the primary causes of blindness and vision loss. Greater investment in ocular disease prevention and care by countries with lower socioeconomic status is needed, as well as specific strategies targeting cataract management, women and the elderly.

Anterior chamber and angle characteristics in Chinese children (6-11 years old) with different refractive status using swept-source optical coherence tomography.

BACKGROUND: The anatomic structure of the anterior chamber (AC) helps to explain differences in refractive status in school-aged children and is closely associated with primary angle closure (PAC). The aim of this study was to quantify and analyze the anterior chamber and angle (ACA) characteristics in Chinese children with different refractive status by swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). METHODS: In a cross-sectional observational study, 383 children from two primary schools in Shandong Province, China, underwent a complete ophthalmic examination. First, the anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber width (ACW), angle-opening distance (AOD), and trabecular-iris space area (TISA) were evaluated automatically using a CASIA2 imaging device. AOD and TISA were measured at 500, 750 µm nasal (N1 and N2, respectively), and temporal (T1 and T2, respectively) to the scleral spur (SS). Cycloplegic refraction and axial length (AL) were then measured. According to spherical equivalent refraction (SER), the children were assigned to hyperopic (SER > 0.50D), emmetropic (-0.50D < SER ≤ 0.50D), and myopic groups (SER ≤ -0.50D). RESULTS: Out of the 383 children, 349 healthy children (160 girls) with a mean age of 8.23 ± 1.06 years (range: 6-11 years) were included. The mean SER and AL were - 0.10 ± 1.57D and 23.44 ± 0.95 mm, respectively. The mean ACD and ACW were 3.17 ± 0.24 mm and 11.69 ± 0.43 mm. The mean AOD were 0.72 ± 0.25, 0.63 ± 0.22 mm at N1, T1, and 0.98 ± 0.30, 0.84 ± 0.27 mm at N2, T2. The mean TISA were 0.24 ± 0.09, 0.22 ± 0.09mm2 at N1, T1, and 0.46 ± 0.16, 0.40 ± 0.14mm2 at N2, T2. The myopic group had the deepest AC and the widest angle. Compared with boys, girls had shorter AL, shallower ACD, narrower ACW, and ACA (all p < 0.05). By Pearson's correlation analysis, SER was negatively associated with ACD, AOD, and TISA. AL was positively associated with ACD, ACW, AOD, and TISA. In the multiple regression analysis, AOD and TISA were associated with deeper ACD, narrower ACW, and longer AL. CONCLUSION: In primary school students, the myopic eyes have deeper AC and wider angle. ACD, ACW, AOD, and TISA all increase with axial elongation. ACA is highly correlated with deeper ACD.

Comparison of Intraocular Lens Location Between Suture Fixation and Intrascleral Sutureless Fixation Procedure.

OBJECTIVE: Two methods are available for intraocular lens (IOL) insertion when the lens capsule is unavailable, including suture and sutureless fixations in which the IOL haptics are fixed in the sclera. The IOL position and refractive error after both procedures were compared. METHODS: Data were retrospectively extracted from patients who underwent IOL insertion at our institution by suture or sutureless fixation (suture fixation: 12 eyes and sutureless fixation: 15 eyes). The postoperative IOL tilt angle and decentration distance were automatically calculated. The difference between the postoperative refractive error and the preoperative expected refractive value was determined and statistically investigated. RESULTS: IOL position, tilt, and decentration were not significantly different between the two groups, but the refractive difference was significantly lower in the sutureless fixation group (P = 0.035). No significant correlation was found between IOL position and refractive difference. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term results reveal that both the suture and sutureless fixation groups performed well, with no significant deviation in IOL tilt and decentration compared to previous reports. However, suture fixation was significantly more prone to refractive differences than sutureless fixation.

Prevalence and characteristics of amblyopia, strabismus, and refractive errors among patients aged 3-16 years in Shanghai, China: a hospital-based population study.

BACKGROUND: Functional visual impairments in children are primarily caused by amblyopia or strabismus. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and clinical profile of amblyopia and strabismus among individuals aged 3-16 years in Shanghai, China. METHODS: From February 2023 to February 2024, this hospital-based, cross-sectional study included data of children who visited the Ophthalmology Department of Shanghai General Hospital. Comprehensive ocular examinations included visual acuity measurement after cycloplegic refraction, slit lamp examination, cover test, and dilated fundus examination. Descriptive statistics were performed to estimate the proportion and clinical characteristics of amblyopia and strabismus. RESULTS: A total of 920 children were enrolled in our study. Among them, 223 (24.24%) children were identified as amblyopia. Unilateral amblyopia occupied 57.85%, and bilateral amblyopia occupied 42.15%. Most participants were within the age range of 5-10 years (75.97% for unilateral amblyopia, and 70.21% for bilateral amblyopia). Anisometropia was the primary cause of unilateral amblyopia (68.99%). Most amblyopic children have high hyperopia (38.76% for unilateral amblyopia, and 39.89% for bilateral amblyopia). 30 (3.26%) children were diagnosed with strabismus, and 19 (63.3%) of them were aged 5-10 years. Seven of the children had both strabismus and amblyopia. CONCLUSION: The proportion of patients with amblyopia and strabismus was determined as 24.24% and 3.26% in our study. Anisometropia was the leading cause of unilateral amblyopia, whereas high hyperopia was a crucial refractive error in the amblyopic population. These findings shed light on further longitudinal studies targeting the age-related changes in amblyopia, strabismus and refraction errors. Therefore, efforts should be made to manage uncorrected refractive errors, amblyopia, and strabismus among children in Shanghai.

Combination of 2 test methods, single-picture optotype visual acuity chart and spot™ vision screener, in the eye health screening program for 3-year-old children in Tokyo: A retrospective, observational study.

To evaluate the usefulness of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's Eye Health Screening Program for 3-year-old children, which combines the Single-Picture Optotype Visual Acuity Chart (SPVAC) and Spot™ Vision Screener (SVS) tests. This was a retrospective, observational, matched study. Patients who underwent the eye health screening program and had abnormalities were classified into 3 groups according to the outcomes of the SPVAC (SPVAC-passed, SPVAC-P; SPVAC-failed, SPVAC-F) and SVS (SVS-passed, SVS-P; SVS-failed, SVS-F) tests as follows: SPVAC-P/SVS-F, SPVAC-F/SVS-P, and SPVAC-F/SVS-F. We evaluated the age at examination, SPVAC and SVS test success rates, and SVS refractive power. Additionally, the rates of refractive error, amblyopia, and strabismus were compared among the 3 groups. The SPVAC-P/SVS-F, SPVAC-F/SVS-P, and SPVAC-F/SVS-F groups comprised 158, 28, and 74 eyes, respectively. The mean age was 37.4 months. The success rates of the SPVAC and SVS tests were 69.8% and 96.2%, respectively. The mean SVS hyperopia value in the SPVAC-F/SVS-F group (2.71 ±â€…1.50 D) was significantly higher than that of the SPVAC-P/SVS-F group. The mean SVS astigmatism and myopia values were -2.21 diopter (D) ±â€…1.09 D and -3.40 ±â€…1.82 D, respectively; they did not differ significantly from that of the SPVAC-P/SVS-F group. Significant differences were observed in the refractive error, amblyopia, and strabismus rates among the 3 groups. Regarding disease determination, no significant difference was observed among participants who passed and failed the SPVAC test, regardless of the outcome of the other test. However, a significant difference was observed between those passing and failing the SVS tests. The SPVAC method used to screen 3-year-old children should be modified to commence at 42 months of age or be replaced with a single Landolt C test. The SVS test is useful for screening younger patients. Furthermore, the SVS test showed that the degree of hyperopia was higher in patients who did not pass the SPVAC test.

Perception of optometrists on causes of professional discordance among eye care professionals and its impact on refractive error service delivery in Kenya.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the perception of optometrists on causes of professional discordance among eye care professionals and its impact on refractive error service delivery in Kenya. METHODS: This was a prospective qualitative case study conducted between January and June 2022 among optometrists registered with the Optometrists Association of Kenya. The data was collected through telephonic interviews. Purposive sampling was used to recruit the participants. Descriptive statistics were presented using frequency, percentages and with p values. Thematic analysis was carried out for qualitative data using the NVivo Software, Version 11. It was an iterative process consisting of both deductive and inductive processes. RESULTS: Out of the 100 respondents, 37 (37%) were female. The mean age for the participants was 30.5 years with majority being in the age group 30-34 years. There was no statistically significant difference between the ages of males and females (p = 0.132) Most participants 82 (82%) had practiced for more than 4 years. The participants reported; mistrust among eye care professionals, employment sector, specialty, undermining the potential of other cadres within the eye care ecosystem, confusion and misconception and negative attitude as the perception of optometrists on causes of professional discordance among eye care professionals on refractive error service delivery. All of the optometrists agreed that professional discordance exists among eye care professionals in Kenya which potentially impacts negatively on refractive error service delivery. CONCLUSION: Professional discordance remains an underrated barrier which negatively impacts on refractive error service delivery. However, to achieve effective refractive error coverage, a strengthened team approach among eye care professionals is desirable in a country with limited human resource such as Kenya.

Impact of Peripheral Refractive Errors in Mobility Performance.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the functional effects of peripheral refractive errors on mobility performance through a stair negotiation task. Methods: Twenty-one young, normal sighted subjects navigated through an obstacle with steps, wearing spectacles that altered only their peripheral refraction. Lenses were used to induce positive defocus (+2 diopters [D] and +4 D), negative defocus (-2 D and -4 D), or astigmatism (+1.75 D and -3.75 D, axis 45 degrees) in the periphery. Feet trajectories were analyzed, and several gait assessment parameters were obtained. Statistical tests were conducted to determine significant performance differences between the lenses. Peripheral refraction in each subject was measured using a scanning Hartmann-Shack wavefront sensor to assess the impact of intrinsic peripheral refraction on the experiment. Results: Statistically significant differences in performance appeared when peripheral errors were superimposed. Crossing time with respect to plano lenses increased by 6.2%, 7.6%, 19.2%, and 29.6% for the -2 D, +2 D, -4 D, and +4 D lenses, respectively (P < 0.05 in the last 3 cases). Subjects exhibited slower walking speeds, increased step count, and adopted precautionary measures. High-power positive defocus lenses had the biggest impact on performance, and differences were observed in distance to steps between induced positive and negative defocus. Conclusions: In this laboratory-based study without an adaptation period, peripheral refractive errors affected stair negotiation, causing cautious behavior in subjects. Performance differences among types of peripheral defocus may result from magnification effects and intrinsic peripheral refraction. These results highlight the importance of understanding the effects of induced peripheral errors by myopia control and intraocular lenses.

Assessing the reliability of tele-refraction for real time consultation with a remote optometrist.

INTRODUCTION: Uncorrected refractive errors pose a significant challenge globally, particularly in remote regions of low-middle income countries where access to optometric care is often limited. Telerefraction, which involves refraction by a trained technician followed by real-time consultation with remote optometrist, is a promising approach for such remote settings. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of this model. METHODS: This prospective study, conducted in New Delhi, compared tele-refraction to in-person examinations. Trained technicians used a simple device, Click-check, to perform objective refraction and a tele-refraction platform to enter the findings of objective refraction. Final prescription was made after consulting a remote optometrist on that platform. Masked face-to-face optometrists served as the gold standard. The study involved refraction in 222 patients and 428 eyes. RESULTS: Tele-refraction demonstrated a strong agreement with in-person optometry, achieving 84.6% in spherical correction and 81% conformity in spherical equivalent. The mean difference of spherical equivalent between the two arms was only 0.11 D. The consultation with a remote optometrist improved conformity of spherical equivalent by 14.8% over objective refraction. 82 percent eyes matched in best corrected visual acuity and 92 percent were within 0.1 logMAR difference. For cylindrical axis, 74% eye were within acceptable 10 degrees of difference. The mismatch amongst the individual trained technicians, in terms of difference between the tele-refraction arm and the face-to face optometrist arm was found to be significant for cylindrical axis and not for spherical power and spherical equivalent. CONCLUSION: Our study found tele-refraction by a trained technician comparable to refraction done by face-to-face optometrist. Tele-refraction, coupled with remote optometrist guidance can address the optometry resource gap in underserved areas. Thus, this model offers a transformative approach to enhancing the accessibility and quality of eye care services, which can significantly contribute to our efforts in achieving the global targets set by the World Health Organization for effective refractive error coverage. More standardized training for these technicians on ClickCheckTM for detecting the cylindrical axis with better accuracy, can improve this model further.

Situation analysis on the integration of refractive error services provided by optometrists into the national health services in Kenya.

INTRODUCTION: Even though the burden of uncorrected refractive error could potentially be addressed through innovative and cost-effective approaches, integration of the services into the National Health Services (NHS) is desirable. However, minimal information exists on the current situation warranting the need for evidence about the integration of refractive error service provided by optometrists into the national health services in Kenya. METHODS: A situation analysis of the Kenyan refractive error services provided by optometrists within the NHS was undertaken based on access to service delivery, service coverage, and human resource. A strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis was undertaken based on the existent evidence to identify the core factors that could potentially facilitate or hinder the integration of refractive error services provided by optometrists within the National Health Services. The proportion of optometrists to be integrated in the NHS was estimated based on the minimum ratios recommended by the World Health Organization. RESULTS: A section of tertiary and secondary healthcare facilities in Kenya have specific services to address refractive errors within the NHS with most facilities lacking such services. Treatment of refractive error occurs at the level of eye care general services. There are 11,547 health facilities offering primary care services in Kenya. However, none of them offers refractive error services and only a section of facilities offering county health referral services provides eye care services which is limited to refraction without provision of spectacles. The existing workforce comprises of ophthalmologists, optometrists and ophthalmic clinical officers, together with nurses and other general paramedical assistants. Optometrists, ophthalmologists and ophthalmic clinical officers are allowed to undertake refraction. However, optometrists majorly practices in the private sector. Centralization of eye care services in urban areas, weak referral systems, and a shortage in the workforce per population was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The Kenyan NHS should advocate for primary care and reorient the current hospital-based delivery approach for refractive error services. This is attributed to the fact that provision of refractive error services at primary care remains effective and efficient and could translate to early detection of other ocular conditions. The existing human resources in the eye health ecosystem in Kenya should maximize their efforts towards addressing uncorrected refractive error and optometrists should be integrated into the NHS.

Approaches for delivery of refractive and optical care services in community and primary care settings.

BACKGROUND: Uncorrected refractive error is a leading cause of vision impairment which, in most cases, can be managed with the appropriate spectacle correction. In 2021, the World Health Assembly endorsed a global target of a 40-percentage-point increase in effective coverage of refractive error by 2030. To achieve this global target, equitable access to refractive and optical services within community and primary care settings needs to be strengthened. This review will inform the development of technical guidance to support improvements in the testing and correction of refractive error among World Health Organization (WHO) member states. OBJECTIVES: To determine the range of approaches for delivery of refractive and optical care services in community and primary care settings, and the methods employed for their evaluation. SEARCH METHODS: We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase and Global Health databases, grey literature, and annual reports and websites of relevant organizations involved in eye-care delivery from January 2002 to November 2022 to identify approaches for refractive and optical service delivery. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included observational and interventional studies, reviews, and reports from relevant organizations related to delivering refractive services and optical services for preschool and school-aged children and adults in community and primary care settings published between January 2002 and November 2022. We searched for studies and reports published within the last 20 years because vision impairment due to uncorrected refractive error has only recently become a public health and eye health priority, therefore we did not expect to find much relevant literature until after 2002. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors screened titles, abstracts and full texts, and extracted data. We resolved any discrepancies through discussion. We synthesized data, and presented results as tables, figures, and case studies. This project was led by the World Health Organization (WHO) Vision and Eye Care Programme. MAIN RESULTS: We identified 175 studies from searches of databases and grey literature, 146 records from company reports, and 81 records from website searches of relevant organizations that matched our inclusion criteria. Delivery approaches for refractive and optical services in community care included school-based, pharmacy, and outreach models, whereas primary care approaches comprised vision centre, health centre, and a combination of vision or health centre and door-to-door delivery. In community care, school-based and outreach approaches were predominant, while in primary care, a vision-centre approach was mainly used. In the WHO African region, the school-based and outreach approaches were mainly reported while, in the Americas, the outreach approach was mostly used. Very few approaches for service delivery were reported in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean region. Prominent gaps exist in the evaluation of the approaches, and few studies attempted to evaluate the approaches for delivery of refractive and optical care services. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We comprehensively describe a range of approaches for delivery of refractive and optical services in community and primary care. Further evaluation of their effectiveness will better inform the application of these service-delivery approaches. The study outcomes will help guide WHO member states in strengthening refractive and optical services at community and primary care levels. FUNDING: This scoping review was supported by the Vision and Eye care Programme, World Health Organization and ATscale Global Partnership. REGISTRATION: The protocol of this scoping review was published in the Open Source Framework.

Assessing neophyte response to daily disposable silicone hydrogel contact lenses: A randomised clinical trial investigation over one month.

OBJECTIVE: This randomised clinical trial assessed the impact on symptoms, tear film dynamics and ocular surface integrity of daily disposable silicone-hydrogel contact lenses (CLs) over a month, paying special attention to lid wiper epitheliopathy (LWE) and its implications for CL discomfort. METHODS: Neophyte CL wearers (n = 44, 21.09 ± 5.00 years old) were randomly assigned to either the experimental (n = 24) or control group (n = 20). Participants assigned to the experimental group were required to wear daily disposable CLs for 1 month for at least 8 h/day and 6 days/week. All participants were healthy subjects (no history of ocular surgery or active ocular disease) with spherical refractive errors between -8.00 and +5.00 D and cylindrical power <0.75 D. At the baseline and 1-month sessions, the Dry Eye Questionnaire 5 (DEQ-5) was completed, together with the measurement of tear film osmolarity with the TearLab osmometer, tear meniscus height (TMH) and lipid layer pattern (LLP) using a slit-lamp with Tearscope Plus attached, fluorescein break-up time (FBUT), maximum blink interval (MBI), corneal staining with fluorescein under cobalt blue light and LWE with lissamine green under slit lamp and halogen white light. RESULTS: At the baseline session, LWE showed a negative correlation with DEQ-5 (r = -0.37, p = 0.02). Significant differences in FBUT and LWE (p = 0.04) and a positive correlation between LWE and DEQ-5 (r = 0.49, p = 0.007) were observed at 1 month. Intrasession analysis at 1 month showed significant differences between the experimental and control groups in DEQ-5, FBUT and LWE (all p ≤ 0.02). Intersession analysis in the experimental group showed variations in DEQ-5, FBUT and LWE (all p ≤ 0.02) but no significant variation in the control group (all p ≥ 0.11). CONCLUSION: The presence of LWE was significantly correlated with higher symptom values in the DEQ-5. Also, participants in the experimental group presented higher values of LWE after 1 month of CL wear, in comparison with the control group.

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.

Ocular features of NGLY1 deficiency from a prospective longitudinal cohort.

BACKGROUND: NGLY1 deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disorder with core features of global developmental delay, liver enzyme abnormalities, movement disorder, polyneuropathy, and hypo- or alacrima. We characterized the full spectrum and evolution of the ocular phenotype in a prospective natural history of NGLY1 deficiency. METHODS: We collected ophthalmological data on 29 individuals with NGLY1 deficiency in a natural history study. Medical records were reviewed to confirm caregiver-reported symptoms. Of the 29, 15 participants appeared for at least one ophthalmological examination. RESULTS: Caregivers reported at least one ocular sign or symptom in 90% of participants (26/29), most commonly decreased tears, refractive error, and chronic infection. Daily eye medication, including artificial tears, ophthalmic ointment, and topical antibiotics were used by 62%. Ophthalmological examination confirmed refractive errors in 93% (14/15) and corneal abnormalities in 73% (11/15). CONCLUSIONS: Given nearly universal hypolacrima and additional prominent ocular findings in NGLY1 deficiency, a targeted ocular history and ophthalmologic examination may facilitate prompt diagnosis and early initiation of preventive eye care, preserving vision and overall ocular health.

Changes in ocular biometrics following cycloplegic refraction in strabismic and amblyopic children.

This study was aimed to analyze ocular biometric changes following cycloplegia in pediatric patients with strabismus and amblyopia. Cycloplegia is routinely used to measure refractive error accurately by paralyzing accommodation. However, effects on axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), keratometry (Km), and white-to-white distance (WTW) are not well studied in this population. This retrospective study examined 797 patients (1566 eyes) undergoing cycloplegic refraction at a Samsung Kangbuk hospital pediatric ophthalmology clinic from 2010 to 2023. Ocular biometry was measured before and after instilling 1% cyclopentolate and 0.5% phenylephrine/0.5% tropicamide. Patients were categorized by strabismus diagnosis, age, refractive error and amblyopia status. Differences in AL, ACD, Km, WTW, and refractive error pre- and post-cycloplegia were analyzed using paired t tests. ACD (3.44 ±â€…0.33 vs 3.58 ±â€…0.29 mm, P < .05) and WTW (12.09 ±â€…0.42 vs 12.30 ±â€…0.60 mm, P < .05) increased significantly after cycloplegia in all groups except other strabismus subgroup (Cs) in both parameters and youngest subgroup (G1) in ACD. Refractive error demonstrated a hyperopic shift from -0.48 ±â€…3.00 D to -0.06 ±â€…3.32 D (P < .05) in overall and a myopic shift from -6.97 ±â€…4.27 to -8.10 ±â€…2.26 in high myopia (HM). Also, AL and Km did not change significantly. In conclusion, cycloplegia impacts ocular biometrics in children with strabismus and amblyopia, significantly increasing ACD and WTW. Refractive error shifts hyperopically in esotropia subgroup (ET) and myopically in high myopia subgroup (HM), eldest subgroup (G3) relating more to anterior segment changes than AL/Km. Understanding cycloplegic effects on biometry is important for optimizing refractive correction in these patients.

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.

Is refractive error a factor affecting scoliosis?

BACKGROUND: Scoliosis is one of the most common surgical disorders of the pediatric spine. Refractive errors are commonly associated with vision impairment worldwide. However, it is currently unclear whether refractive error correlates directly with the development of scoliosis. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in 2023, and a stratified cluster sampling technique was employed among school-aged students in Nantong City, China. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate specific correlations between scoliosis and related parameters; various types of refractive errors were also included in the study. RESULTS: The prevalence of scoliosis among school-aged students was 2.2% in Nantong city. Multiple logistic regression analyses showed that myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and anisometropia were not correlated with the development of scoliosis (all, p≥0.05). Lower body mass index (BMI) [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.92; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.88-0.95; p<0.001], living in rural areas (aOR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.05-1.86; p = 0.020), and older age (aOR = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.25-1.38; p<0.001) had significantly higher risks of scoliosis. CONCLUSIONS: Refractive errors did not correlate with the development of scoliosis. However, BMI, living in rural areas and older age did correlate with the development of scoliosis.

Pediatric refractive surgery: current opinion in ophthalmology.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Pediatric refractive surgery has been growing at a steady pace since its introduction in the early 1980 s. This article will review common laser refractive surgeries performed on pediatric patients along with controversies regarding the practice. RECENT FINDINGS: Pediatric refractive surgery is reserved for a small population of children who fail amblyopic treatment due to high anisometropic refractive errors. Publications over the years have treated these children with various types of laser refractive surgery. SUMMARY: Laser pediatric refractive surgery appears to be well tolerated and effective for the population of children that need it. It provides an alternative for anisometropic amblyopia treatment for children who would have otherwise not been able to improve their vision.