Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Comparison of Agreement and Accuracy using Binocular Wavefront Optometer with Autorefractor and Phoropter
Published on: September 16, 2025
Role of gender in the occurrence of refractive errors
Damian Czepita1, Artur Mojsa, Maria Ustianowska
1Katedra i Klinika Okulistyki Pomorskiej Akademii Medycznej w Szczecinie, Szczecin.
Purpose:
The aim of the paper was to study the role of gender in the occurrence of refractive errors in schoolchildren ranging from 6-18 years of age.
Material And Methods:
5865 children from elementary schools, junior high schools and high schools were examined (2845 boys, aged 6-18 years, mean age 11.4, SD = 3.0 and 3020 girls, aged 6-18 years, mean age 11.9, SD = 3.3). The examined students were Caucasian and resided in and around Szczecin, Poland. The examination included retinoscopy under cycloplegia. The refractive error readings were reported as spherical equivalent (SE). Myopia was defined as SE of at least -0.5 D, hyperopia as SE of at least +1.0 D. Astigmatism was diagnosed when the difference in the refraction of axes in one eye was > 0.5 DC. Data analysis was performed using chi2 test. P values of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Results:
It was found that myopia occurs more frequently in girls (7.4%) than in boys (5.1%) - p < 0.001. Hyperopia occurs more frequently in boys (19.6%) than in girls (18.2%) - p < 0.001. A slightly higher prevalence of astigmatism in girls (1.9%) than in boys (1.5%) was also observed (p > 0.05).
Conclusions:
Gender influences the occurrence of myopia and hyperopia in schoolchildren ranging from 6-18 years of age.
Related Concept Videos
Focusing of Light in the Eye
Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development
X-linked Traits
Accessory Structures of the Eye
Sex-linked Disorders
Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways
