The impact of corrected and uncorrected refractive error on visual functioning: the Singapore Malay Eye Study

To determine the impact of corrected and uncorrected myopia and hyperopia on visual functioning in an urban Malay population.

The Singapore Malay Eye Study is a population-based, cross-sectional study of Singaporean Malays aged 40 to 80 years. Myopia was defined as spherical equivalence (SE) 1.0 D, and emmetropia as SE -0.5 to 1.0 D in the better eye. Uncorrected myopia and hyperopia were defined as at least a 2-line difference between habitual and best corrected VA in persons with myopia or hyperopia, respectively. Visual functioning was assessed with the VF-11 scale.

Of 2912 participants, 441 (15.1%) and 213 (7.3%) had corrected or uncorrected hyperopia and 333 (11.4%), and 131 (4.5%) had corrected or uncorrected myopia, respectively. Of those, 249 (8.6%) participants were considered emmetropic with a >2-line difference between habitual and best corrected vision, and 1543 (53.1%) participants had a

Adequate myopia correction can improve participation in daily living and visual functioning in people with myopia. Correction of hyperopia does not have this effect.