H Ostadimoghaddam, Aa Yekta, J Heravian, A Azimi, Mj , Khoshsima, M Khaje Daluee, M Pedramfar, A Javaherforoshzadeh, S Aliakbari, M Hashemi Nejad, P Razavi Shandiz, S Golmohammadi, Z Haeri Kermani, M Khabazkhoob,
Volume 6, Issue 4 (16 2011)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: To determine the prevalence rates of refractive errors in Mashhad, Iran
Methods: In this population-based study, random cluster sampling was performed on the urban population of Mashhad and of 4453 selected individuals, 70.4% participated in the study. Refractive errors were assessed using cycloplegic refraction in participants who were ≤ 15 years of age and non-cycloplegic refraction in those who were > 15 years of age .
Results: The prevalence of myopia and hyperopia in individuals ≤ 15 years old was 3.64% (95% CI: 5.09 to 2.19) and 27.4% (95% CI: 31.09 to 23.72), respectively. The same measurements for individuals >15 years of age was 22.36% (95% CI: 24.66 to 20.06) and 34.21% (95 CI: 36.85 to 31.57), respectively. The prevalence of astigmatism and anisometropia were 25.64% and 5.84, respectively. Astigmatism and anisometropia were significantly more (p=0.005) and less (p=0.048) prevalent in females, respectively. Anisometropia, astigmatism and hyperopia were found to be increased with age.
Conclusions: This study highlighted the valuable information on refractive errors in Mashhad. Hyperopia was the most common refractive error. In addition to subjects who were between 5 to 15 years of age, refractive errors were also prevalent among older people therefore, more attention should be paid to the correction of refractive errors in these groups.
