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Asymmetric refraction in an older population: the Blue Mountains Eye Study
Magdalena Guzowski1, Samantha Fraser-Bell, Elena Rochtchina
1University of Sydney Department of Ophthalmology, Centre for Vision Research, Westmead Hospital and the Westmead Millennium and Save Sight Institutes, Westmead NSW, Australia.
Purpose:
To describe prevalence and associations of asymmetric refraction in an older population.
Methods:
All participants in the Blue Mountains Eye Study had comprehensive eye examinations, including refraction. Spherical equivalent (SEq = sum sphere +.5 cylinder), in diopters, defined refractive error. Refractive asymmetry was assessed in phakic participants; anisometropia was defined as > or =1.0 diopters SEq difference between eyes.
Results:
Anisometropia was present in 14.7% of participants. Mean refractive asymmetry (in diopters) in persons aged <60 years was 0.43; 60 to 69 years, 0.51; 70 to 79 years, 0.72; and 80+ years, 0.88. Prevalence and severity of anisometropia increased with age (P <.001), increasing ametropia or astigmatism. Associations included older age, cataract, and increasing ametropia. Myopic participants >-3.0 diopters had the highest anisometropia prevalence.
Conclusions:
Refractive asymmetry was associated with age, increasing ametropia, and cataract.