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Refractive changes among Norwegian university students--a three-year longitudinal study.
1Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim. bkinge@online.no
Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica
|July 16, 1999
Summary
University students experienced a significant increase in myopia over three years of demanding studies. Refractive error shifted towards myopia, with many becoming myopic or progressing further into it.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Optometry
- Public Health
Background:
- University students face high educational demands.
- Refractive error changes can impact academic performance and quality of life.
- Longitudinal studies are crucial for understanding vision development in young adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in refractive error among university students.
- To assess the impact of a three-year study period on student vision.
- To determine the prevalence and progression of myopia in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- A three-year longitudinal cohort study involving 224 Norwegian engineering students.
- Refraction measurements (automated and clinical) were taken at the beginning and end of the study period.
- 192 students completed the study, with data analyzed for changes in refractive error and myopia prevalence.
Main Results:
- Myopia prevalence increased significantly from 48% to 65% (p<0.001).
- Mean refractive error shifted significantly from -0.64 D to -1.21 D (p<0.001).
- A substantial proportion of emmetropic and hyperopic eyes became myopic, and initially myopic eyes progressed further.
Conclusions:
- A shift towards myopia is common among university students during their academic careers.
- High educational demands may contribute to the progression of myopia.
- Early detection and intervention strategies for myopia in students are warranted.