Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
05:36
Subjective Refraction Test Using a Smartphone for Vision Screening
Published on: October 18, 2024
Astigmatism and its determinants in the Tehran population: the Tehran eye study
Hassan Hashemi1, Elham Hatef, Akbar Fotouhi
1Farabi Eye Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran and Noor Vision Correction Center, Tehran, Iran.
Ophthalmic Epidemiology
|November 15, 2005
Summary
This study found a high prevalence of astigmatism in Tehran, affecting over 50% of the population. Key risk factors identified include age, education level, and existing ametropia, suggesting a need for targeted correction programs.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Astigmatism is a common refractive error impacting visual acuity.
- Understanding its prevalence and risk factors is crucial for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of astigmatism and its epidemiological risk factors in Tehran.
- To inform astigmatism screening and correction programs.
Main Methods:
- A population-based study involving 4565 participants in Tehran.
- Stratified random cluster sampling and door-to-door surveys were employed.
- Ophthalmic examinations included manifest refraction to define astigmatism (cylinder ≥ 0.5 D) and high astigmatism (cylinder ≥ 1.5 D).
Main Results:
- The prevalence of astigmatism was 50.2% in the Tehran population.
- High astigmatism was observed in 11.1% of eyes.
- Age, education, and ametropia were identified as significant predictors of astigmatism.
- A modest familial aggregation of astigmatism was noted, particularly among siblings.
Conclusions:
- Astigmatism is highly prevalent in Tehran.
- Targeted interventions for case finding and correction are recommended.
- The findings highlight the importance of considering age, education, and familial factors in astigmatism management.
