جستجوی مقالات مرتبط با کلیدواژه « refractive error » در نشریات گروه « پزشکی »

Myopia, the most common refractive error, is a global public health problem with substantial visual impairment if left untreated. Several studies have investigated the association between increased near-work and restricted outdoor activities in children with myopia; however, such studies in children without myopia are scarce. We aimed to monitor the effect of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) home confinement and mandatory virtual learning on myopic progression among myopic and non-myopic school-aged children.

We conducted a retrospective chart review of children aged 6 – 12 years attending regular visits to the pediatric ophthalmology clinic in a tertiary eye hospital in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. Cycloplegic refraction was determined from three visits at least six months apart: two visits before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and one during the COVID-19 home confinement. Parents were asked about the time spent in near-work and outdoor activities, the devices used during virtual learning, and the demographic characteristics of the children. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare myopia progression before and during the COVID-19 home confinement.

A total of 160 eyes of 80 children were analyzed. The boy (n = 46) to girl (n = 34) ratio was 1.4:1. The hyperopia (n = 131 eyes) to myopia (n = 29 eyes) ratio was 4.5:1. Most eyes exhibited a hyperopic shift before the confinement; however, all eyes displayed a myopic shift during the confinement. When comparing both eyes of the same individual, the more myopic or less hyperopic eye in the same child had a significantly greater myopic shift than the fellow eye (both P < 0.05). Children who used tablets showed a significant myopic shift (P< 0.05). Likewise, children in both age categories ( ≤ 8 and > 8 years), boys, those living in an apartment, and those having parents with bachelor’s degrees experienced a significant myopic shift during COVID-19 home confinement compared to before (all P < 0.05). The mean myopic shift was greater in children aged > 8 years than in those aged ≤ 8 years. Children with and without a family history of myopia had a myopic shift in the mean spherical equivalent during COVID-19 home confinement; however, that of children with no family history was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Progression of myopia accelerated in children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Excessive time spent on digital screen devices at near distances is considered a substantial environmental contributor to myopic shift in children. Further multicenter studies with extended follow-up periods are needed to assess the factors contributing to myopic progression in our population.

To determine the prevalence of visually significant uncorrected refractive error (URE) in Rafsanjan and investigate the related factors. URE is the leading cause of visual impairment (VI) which causes the second‑highest number of years lived with disability. The URE is a preventable health problem.

In this cross‑sectional study participants from Rafsanjan who were 35–70 years were enrolled between 2014 and 2020. Demographic and clinical characteristics data were gathered, and eye examination was performed. Visually significant URE was defined as present if habitual visual acuity was (HVA; visual acuity with present optical correction) >0.3 logMAR in the best eye and the visual acuity of that eye showed >0.2 logMAR improvement after the best correction. Logistic regression was used to determine the association between predicting variables (age, sex, wealth, education, employment, diabetes, cataract, and refractive error characteristics) and outcome (URE).

Among the 6991 participants of Rafsanjan subcohort of the Persian Eye Cohort, 311 (4.4%) had a visually significant URE. Diabetes was significantly more prevalent in the participants with visually significant URE, at 18.7% versus 13.1% in patients without significant URE (P = 0.004). In the final model, each year of increase in age was associated with 3% higher URE (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.05). In comparison to low hyperopia, participants with low myopia had 5.17 times more odds of visually significant URE (95% CI: 3.38–7.93). However, antimetropia decreased the risk of visually significant URE (95% CI: 0.02–0.37).

Policymakers should pay special attention to elderly patients with myopia to effectively reduce the prevalence of visually significant URE.

The purpose of the present study was to determine the refractive profile of strabismic children under 8 in a tertiary referral center in Tehran, Iran.

This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on the medical records of 357 patients under the age of 8 who had one type of strabismus in Farabi Hospital, Tehran, Iran, between 2015 and 2019. All routine ophthalmic examinations were done for all patients. Cycloplegic refraction was performed after the instillation of two drops of cyclopentolate 1% with an interval of 5 minutes, and the refractive error was measured after 30 minutes. The diagnostic criteria were based on cycloplegic refraction in which myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism were defined when the refractive error was -0.25, +0.75, and -0.50 diopter (D) or more, respectively. The cycloplegic results were classified into different groups with an interval of 1.00 D, and astigmatism was also assessed separately.

In this study, the most common type of refractive error in esotropic patients was hyperopia, with the +2.00 to +4.00 D range having a higher prevalence. In exotropic patients, hyperopia was also prevalent; the most common range of hyperopia was between +0.75 to +1.00 D. Astigmatism had a prevalence of 37.8% in esotropic patients, and 17.2% in exotropic patients with the most common range from -0.50 to -1.00. Myopia was present in 2.8% of patients with esotropia and 3.2 % of patients with exotropia with the most common range from -0.25 to -1.00.

In strabismic Iranian children, hyperopia was the most prevalent refractive error in both esotropic and exotropic patients, with higher degrees of hyperopia in esotropic patients. Low astigmatism was twice as prevalent in patients with esotropia as in patients with exotropia. Low myopia was the least prevalent in both esotropic and exotropia.

To measure the prevalence and causes of visual impairment (VI) among the 40+ age population in two coastal districts of India and to determine the levels of effective cataract surgical coverage (eCSC) and effective refractive error coverage (eREC) in the study population.

A cross-sectional study was done on 4200 people chosen using cluster sampling in two coastal districts of Odisha, an eastern state in India. A team consisting of trained optometrists and social workers conducted the ocular examination which included unaided, pinhole, and aided visual acuity assessments followed by examination of the anterior segment and lens.

Overall, 3745 (89.2%) participants were examined from 60 study clusters, 30 in each district. Among those examined, 1677 (44.8%) were men, 2554 (68.2%) were educated and number? (17.8%) used distance spectacles during the survey. The prevalence of VI adjusted for age and gender was 12.77% (95% CI 11.85–13.69%). Multiple logistic regression showed that older age (OR 3.1; 95% CI 2.0–4.7) and urban residence (OR 1.2; 95% CI 1.0–1.6) were associated with VI. Being educated (OR 0.4; 95% CI 0.3–0.6) and using glasses (OR 0.3; 95% CI 0.5–0.2) were found to provide protection; therefore, resulting in lower instances of VI. Cataract (62.7%) and uncorrected refractive errors (27.1%) were the two main causes of VI. The eCSC was 35.1%, the eREC for distance was 40.0%, and the eREC for near was 35.7%.

VI remains a challenge in Odisha, as the prevalence is high and the surgical coverage is poor. Nearly 90% of VI is avoidable indicating that targeted interventions are required to address this problem.

To determine the prevalence and causes of visual impairment (VI) in Shiraz schoolchildren aged between 6 and 12 years.

In the present population‑based study, stratified random sampling was used to select 2400 schoolchildren aged 6–12 years from all four educational districts of Shiraz, Iran. Using the definitions of the World Health Organization, VI was defined as best‑corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ≤0.5 logMAR (20/60) in the better eye, and blindness as BCVA worse than 1.3 logMAR (20/400) in the better eye. The low vision was defined as BCVA equal to or worse than 0.5 logMAR (20/60) in either eye. Data were recorded from a detailed interview and ocular examination of each eligible student.

The mean age of the students was 9.1 ± 1.6 years. The prevalence of VI was 3/2001 (0.14%). The cause of VI in all these three patients (100%) was amblyopia due to high refractive errors (high ametropia and astigmatism). Regarding the main refractive errors leading to VI among these three patients, one patient had bilateral high hyperopia (compound hyperopic astigmatism), one of them had bilateral high astigmatism, and the other one had compound myopic astigmatism. According to a visual acuity of less than or equal to 20/60 in at least one eye, 9/2001 (0.4%) of children had low vision.

This study revealed a low prevalence of VI in a sample of

Shifting to online learning during the coronavirus pandemic has increased the number of individuals symptomatic of digital eye strain (DES). This study aimed to determine the frequency and potential risk factors of DES among university staff members and students in this pandemic era.

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted during the pandemic, in May and June 2020. The online questionnaire was designed to collect data on DES-related ocular and extraocular manifestations. The survey was sent via social media to the previous year’s students and staff within the Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt. The responses were downloaded and analyzed.

Of the 412 participants completing the questionnaire, 34 (8.3%) were university staff members with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 36.7 (6.6) years, and 378 (91.7%) were university students with a mean (SD) age of 20.8 (1.8) years. Participants with DES symptoms numbered 294 (71.4%) before the lockdown, increasing to 366 (88.8%) during the last month, with 84 developing new-onset DES. Most participants reported ocular symptoms associated with DES. After the lockdown, both students and staff had a significant prolongation of nighttime digital screen use and TV watching, an increase in the 4-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4) severity scale scores, and anxiety and depression, with a reduced duration of daytime reading (all P < 0.05). Students had a significant prolongation of daytime digital screen use and TV watching and an increase in the frequency of eye lubricant use and mean Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)-4 scores (all P < 0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that studenthood and increased nighttime screen use were independent risk factors for DES by odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of 10.60 (2.12 – 53.00) and 3.99 (1.71 – 9.34), respectively (both P < 0.05).

Lockdown and closure of the university, with a shift to online learning, increased the exposure of staff and students to digital screens and the number of individuals with DES. Studenthood and prolonged nighttime digital screen use were independent risk factors for DES. Further studies investigating the prevalence and risk factors of DES, comparing similar data during and after the pandemic, may reveal other aspects of DES caused by virtual reality-based training.

The central thickness of the cornea, as one of the parameters of the anterior segment of the eye, is one of the important factors in the evaluation of patients with eye disorders. This research was conducted to investigate the effect of age, gender, and refractive errors on the central thickness of the cornea in the ophthalmology centers of Jiroft city.

This cross-sectional study was conducted by census method in the summer of 1400 on 255 patients referred to Jiroft ophthalmology centers. Data were collected using a researcher-made checklist and analyzed using SPSS version 22 statistical software and Student’s t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient at a significance level of P < 0.05.

159 people (62.3 %) of the participants were women, and the average age of all people was 34.99 ± 7.33 years. The average central thickness of the cornea in the right eye in the three myopic, binocular and emmetropic groups was 501.93, 519.76, and 512.10, respectively, with the highest average central corneal thickness scores corresponding to the binocular group and the lowest average central thickness scores. The cornea of the myopic group is observed and the results of the analysis of variance showed that there is a statistically significant difference between the three groups in terms of the average scores obtained (P < 0.001).

This study showed that age, gender, and refractive errors had a significant effect on the central thickness of the cornea in ophthalmology centers of Jiroft city, and there was a wide range of central corneal thickness values with normal distribution.

Pregnancy-induced changes in the physiological responses during the gestational period can affect the eye. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of pregnancy on visual, refractive, vergence, and accommodative status.  

In this cross-sectional study, twenty-five healthy pregnant women with a mean age of 29±3.1 were examined. All of the subjects underwent comprehensive ophthalmologic examinations, including anterior segment and fundus examinations and tonometry. Refractive error was determined in each trimester using Autokeratometer. Furthermore, near the point of convergence (NPC), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and near the point of accommodation (NPA) were measured. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22. To compare the data during pregnancy, repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed.   

During pregnancy, in the right and left eye, spherical equivalent (SE) had a myopic shift from -0.13 to -0.35 D and +0.096 to -0.23 D, respectively (p=0.049 and p=0.020, respectively). Also, in the right and left eyes BCVA significantly decreased from -0.13 to 0.00 and -0.14 to 0.00 LogMAR, respectively (p=0.039 and p=0.045, respectively). NPA and NPC did not change statistically significantly during pregnancy (p=0.385, and p=0.801, respectively).  

Due to the unstable hormonal status, a myopic shift and decrease in BCVA occur during pregnancy. So, any change in their spectacle prescription, fitting of contact lenses, performing refractive surgeries, etc., during this period should be postponed.

To assess the prevalence and distribution of refractive errors in Madang Province, Papua New Guinea (PNG).

A retrospective hospital‑based study was conducted at Madang Provincial Hospital Eye Clinic. It is a free eye clinic and spectacle costs are further subsidized by a nongovernmental organization. Nonprobability purposive sampling was used to retrieve patients’ records at the eye clinic from January to December 2016. Only demographic and clinic data on the patients’ first visit to the eye clinic were recorded and these included their age, gender, location, presenting visual acuity (VA), and refractive correction.

One thousand and one hundred eighty‑four patients’ records were retrieved, of which 622 (52.53%) had refractive error. The mean age of refractive error presentation was 49.68 ± 16.29 years with a range of 9–86 years. There were more males (55%) than females. About a quarter of the patients (21.2%) presented with moderate visual impairment. There was a statistically significant relationship between visual impairment and age group (P < 0.001). Myopia (53.1%) was the most common type of refractive error followed by hyperopia (32.5%) and astigmatism (14.4%). The uptake of spectacle correction was very high (95.3%) among the patients. More than one‑tenth of the patients(12.5%) reported from other provinces. Almost one‑third of the patients (31.4%) could not obtain a VA of 6/6 after refraction. About one‑fifth (17.0%) of the patients were suspected of functional amblyopia.

Uncorrected refractive error (URE) is a significant cause of visual impairment in PNG. There is a need for the integration of eye care services into primary health care for early detection, treatment, and prevention of visual impairment caused by UREs.

 The aim of this study was to compare refractive error, uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA and CDVA) changes in patients with different types of cancer before and after completing the course of systemic chemotherapy

 Sixty-four right eyes of 64 consecutive patients with cancer were evaluated prospectively to compare the changes of UDVA and CDVA using standard Snellen chart and refractive errors using objective refraction before and after chemotherapy process.

 The mean age of patients was 52.7± 12.9 (range, 27-80) years [28(43.8%) males, and 36 (56.3%) females]. The most changes in refractive error were found in hyperopic patients in the component of “spherical equivalent” (0.69±1.34) and “spherical” (0.61±2.37) refractive error after the first course of chemotherapy. However, the other changes in deferent refractive error groups were under -0.25 diopter. Although the spherical refractive error in all patients’ groups decreased, these reductions were not statistically significant (P>0.05). On the other hand, in all patients’ groups, the amount of cylindrical refractive error was increased, but these changes were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Although the UDVA in different refractive error groups had insignificant changes after completing the course of chemotherapy, these changes were not statistically significant(P>0.05). In addition, the CDVA in different refractive error groups remained relatively stable following the chemotherapy process (P>0.05).

 The refractive error, UCVA and CDVA after completing the course of systemic chemotherapy remained relatively unchanged. This study revealed that in patients with cancer, the refractive error and vision are not influenced by chemotherapy medication.

To evaluate the effect of interocular axial length (AL) difference on outcomes of treatment for anisometropic amblyopia in comparison with normal participants.

In this historical cohort study, 83 patients with anisometropic amblyopia were divided into two age groups, 70 children (mean, 7.86 ± 1.56 and range, 5–15 years) and 13 adults (mean, 26.46 ± 10.87 and range, 16–45 years). The control group consisted of 43 non-amblyopic children and 17 non-amblyopic adults. Treatment outcomes after a period of one year were defined as successful or unsuccessful when posttreatment amblyopic corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was reported as ≤0.9 versus CDVA ≤ 0.8, respectively. AL was measured using a Lenstar LS900 (Haag-Streit AG, Switzerland).

Fifty-nine patients showed satisfactory treatment outcomes (55 children and 4 adults), while unsuccessful treatment outcomes were observed in 24 patients (15 children and 9 adults). The mean of amblyopia treatment duration was 1.24 ± 0.76 years. The mean of interocular AL difference in all patients, control, successful and unsuccessful treatment outcome groups were 0.49 ± 0.70mm (range, 0.00–3.89 mm), 0.12 ± 0.07 mm (range, 0.02–0.41), 0.33 ± 0.23 mm (range, 0.00–0.99 mm), and 1.81 ± 0.80 mm (range, 1.14–3.89 mm), respectively. In both age groups, the mean of interocular AL difference in patients with unsuccessful treatment outcomes was greater than those with successful treatment outcomes and that of the control group (P < 0.001).

The results of this study suggest that the outcome of anisometropic amblyopia treatment may depend on the interocular AL difference.

This study aimed to evaluate the distribution of contrast sensitivity (CS) using Pelli Robson test in normal individuals over seven years old living in Zahedan and examine its relationship with age, gender, and refractive errors.

In this cross-sectional study, simple sampling was performed on the patients aged over seven years and their attendants who had referred to Al-Zahra eye hospital in Zahedan. Complete ophthalmic examinations including vision and refraction assessment, biomicroscopy, and CS evaluation were carried out for all subjects. To evaluate CS, Pelli Robson chart was used at a distance of one meter. The logarithmic CS value of the last triplet in which the patient could accurately read two words was regarded as his/her CS value.

Of the 150 patients (300 eyes), 70 (46.66%) were male. The mean age of the subjects was 34.56±16.15 years (ranged from seven to 78 years). The mean and standard deviation of the CS score in two modes of monocular and binocular vision were 1.45±0.19 and 1.57±0.19 log unit, respectively. The mean CS score was not significantly different between men and women (P>0.454), but it decreased significantly with the age (P=0.000). CS was higher in individuals with emmetropia than those with myopia and hypermetropia (P=0.000). There was also a significant correlation between cylinder magnitude and CS (P=0.000).

Although Pelli Robson test evaluates CS at low and constant spatial frequencies, its distribution is significantly different among different age groups and even among individuals with different values of refractive errors.

Uncorrected refractive error is a leading cause of visual impairment globally. This study aimed to determine the current state of clinical refraction services and barriers to service provision in the capital city of the Maldives.

This cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study used a purposive sampling technique. The list of facilities providing refraction services in the city of Malé was compiled through a desk review and finalized after verification by personnel from the Ministry of Health. The availability of human resources and infrastructure was measured using a pre-coded questionnaire that also listed barriers to service provision, followed by on-site observations and subsequent data analysis.

Three clinical ophthalmology departments within hospitals, two ophthalmology hospitals, and nine primary eye care centers were selected for this study. The private sector (n = 12, 85.7%) was the primary provider of refractive error services. All facilities possessed the essential equipment required for refraction. Only optometrists and ophthalmologists conducted refraction. Contact lens assessment and low vision services were not available at any facility. The number of refractions conducted in Malé annually was 145,392. Human resources and management-related factors were the major barriers to the provision of clinical refraction services (n = 21, 44.7%).

Accessibility to refractive error management and low vision services is needed in Malé to meet current population needs. Existing resources, including humans and equipment, require augmentation regarding service provision and enhancement. Knowledge of these barriers could lead to the upscaling of refraction services in Malé, Maldives by health policy makers.

Aging is not a disease; rather, it is a process. As people age, visual impairment (VI) becomes more common. In 2010, the overall prevalence rate of vision impairment in all races was 25.66% in individuals aged ≥ 80 years, according to the estimate of the National Eye Institute at the National Institutes of Health. This review aimed to address the common causes of VI in the elderly.

In this narrative review, an electronic search of the PubMed/MEDLINE database was conducted using “visual impairment” and “elderly” for the period between January 2010 and April 2021, to include randomized clinical trials and observational studies concerning VI in the elderly. The selected time period was chosen to provide an updated review.

The search yielded 2,955 articles published over the period of more than 11 years. The relevant randomized clinical trials or observational studies were included and reviewed. Cataracts, refractive errors, open-angle glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy were the most common age-related ocular disorders leading to VI if untreated in the elderly. The loss of visual acuity can adversely affect quality of life in the elderly. Difficulty with activities of daily living related to VI can lead to social isolation, depression, and anxiety. Loss of vision in the elderly is linked to an increased risk of falls, hip fracture, depression, and poor quality of life.

The most common causes of VI in the elderly are cataracts and refractive errors. VI in most ocular diseases is more prevalent in women than in men due to longer lifespan. The overall prevalence of the main causes of VI in the elderly is expected to increase; therefore, health policymakers should consider this when planning for the health-enhancement program of the population.

Refractive amblyopia is the most common cause of amblyopia in the Gaza Strip. However, the pattern of this condition has not yet been studied in this region. This study aimed to determine the pattern of refractive amblyopia in Gazan children aged 4‒12 years.

This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study using a purposive sampling method. Children aged 4‒12 years who attended the Children’s Unit at Gaza Ophthalmic Hospital, Gaza Strip, Palestine from September 2019 to July 2020, were examined. A comprehensive eye test was conducted for all participants. Those who failed the eye examinations and were diagnosed with refractive amblyopia were included in the study. Demographic data and amblyopic refractive error patterns were analyzed accordingly.

Of the 107 children, 72.9% were newly diagnosed with refractive amblyopia. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) of age of the children who participated was 7.85 ± 1.55 years. Approximately two-thirds of the patients were female (57.9%). Unilateral amblyopia was predominant in 60.7% of the cases. Moderate amblyopia was common (81.9%). A total of 149 amblyopic eyes were examined in total, with a mean ± SD (range) of best-corrected distance visual acuity and spherical equivalent of 0.45 ± 0.19 (0.2 to 1.3) logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution and + 0.76 ± 4.51 diopters (- 10.25 to + 11.50). Astigmatism was the most common amblyogenic factor (53.7%) among children with amblyopia.

The frequency of refractive amblyopia was 72.9%, and meridional amblyopia accounted for the highest percentage. Girls were more commonly affected than boys. The majority were in the 7-year-old age group. Most cases were unilateral with moderate refractive amblyopia. Our study yields insights into the patterns of refractive amblyopia among children in the Gaza Strip.

To evaluate the results of overminus lens therapy in the management of children with intermittent exotropia or X(T).

In this retrospective study, 163 consecutive patients with X(T) who were treated with overminus spectacles with at least 12 months of follow-up were included in the study. The outcome measures were the level of X(T) control evaluated using the Jampolsky’s qualitative assessment method and refractive error changes under overminus lens treatment.

The mean angle of deviation at the initial visit was 24.7 ± 15.1 prism diopters (PD) that improved to 10.6 ± 4.2 PD with overminus glasses with a median follow-up of 38 months(P = 0.02). One hundred and nine patients(66.8%) achieved good controlled X(T) or orthotropia by overminus lens therapy after 1 year. Three patients progressed to esotropia, which disappeared after discontinuing overminus lens therapy. Overminus lens therapy did not have a statistically significant effect on the mean spherical equivalent of cycloplegic refraction in each eye (right eye: P = 0.13; left eye: P = 0.15).

Overminus lens therapy can be effective for improving the control of X(T) in young children. It can defer the requirement for surgery or decrease the rate of surgical intervention.

To determine the prevalence of refractive error and visual impairment in a rural population of Zimbabwe.

This community-based, cross-sectional study used a multi-stage sampling to select the participants from households in four communities within three rural districts in Mashonaland Central Province. Participants’ demographic data were collated, and their presenting visual acuity (VA) was measured using the logMAR E chart. Clinical refraction was preceded by an anterior segment and posterior segment eye examinations. Visual impairment was defined as presenting VA worse than 6/12 (0.3 logMAR) in the better eye. Descriptive statistics were presented as frequencies.

A total of 519 participants were involved in this study. Their ages ranged from 5 to 100 years (mean age = 50.94; standard deviation ± 21.12 years). Out of the 519 participants, 233 (44.9%) were male, and 286 (55.1%) were female. The prevalence of visual impairment was 56.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 55.7–67.2), and blindness was 13.1% (95% CI: 11.2–17.6). The prevalence of near visual impairment based on presenting near VA (N = 408) was 78.6% (95% CI: 78.1–85.4). The two most common causes of visual impairment were uncorrected refractive errors (UREs) (54.2%) and cataract (24.8%). The most common cause of blindness was cataract (41.2%). Hypermetropia (56.9%) was the most common refractive error.

A high burden of visual impairment due to UREs and cataracts was observed among the rural dwellers of Zimbabwe. Public health education, access to refractive error services, and cataract surgery are necessary to mitigate this high burden of visual impairment.

To investigate the effects of refraction on retinal thickness measurements at different locations and layers in healthy eyes of Saudi participants.

Thirty-six randomly selected adults aged 27.0 ± 5.7 years who attended a Riyadh hospital from 2016 to 2017 were categorized into three groups: non-myopic (spherical equivalent refraction [SER], +1.00 to –0.50 diopters [D]), low myopic (SER, – 0.75 to –3.00D), and moderate to high myopic (SER ≤ –3.25D). Full, inner, and outer retinal thicknesses were measured at nine locations by spectral-domain stratus optical coherence tomography (Optovue Inc., Fremont, CA, USA) and were compared according to refractive group and sex.

The mean SERs for the non-myopia, low myopia, and moderate to high myopia groups were 0.2 ± 0.6, –1.5 ± 0.5, and –7.5 ± 1.9 D, respectively. Refractive error, but not sex, had significant effects on the retinal layer thickness measurements at different locations (P < 0.05). The parafoveal and outer retinal layers were significantly thicker than the perifoveal and inner retina layers in all groups (P < 0.05). The full foveal thickness was higher and the full parafoveal and perifoveal regions were thinner in moderate to high myopic eyes than in the non-myopic eyes (P < 0.05), but were similar to those in the low myopic eyes (P > 0.05). The foveal thicknesses measured in the inner and outer layers of the retina were higher but the thicknesses measured at the inner and outer layers of the parafoveal and perifoveal regions were lower in moderate to high myopic eyes.

There were regional differences in the retinal layer thicknesses of healthy Saudi eyes, which was dependent on the central refractions. This is important when interpreting retinal nerve fiber layer thicknesses in myopia and disease management in Saudi participants.