Proportion of refractive errors in a Polish immigrant population in Chicago

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Public Health
• Immigrant Health

Background:

• Refractive errors are a significant global health concern.
• Polish Americans represent a substantial demographic group in the US, particularly in urban areas like Chicago.
• Limited data exists on the refractive error prevalence within this specific immigrant population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism) in Polish immigrants residing in an urban setting.
• To analyze the distribution of refractive errors across different age groups within this population.
• To identify the presence of amblyopia and strabismus in Polish immigrant patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 675 patient records (271 men, 404 women) from a practice with a high proportion of Polish immigrant patients.
• Data collected included refractive status (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism), amblyopia, and strabismus.
• Patients ranged in age from 3 to 94 years.

Main Results:

• Prevalence of myopia was 35.1%, hyperopia was 38.4%, and astigmatism was 15% (>=1.00 D).
• Amblyopia was present in 9% of patients, and strabismus in 3% (76% esotropia).
• Myopia was most common in younger age groups (0-18 and 19-45 years), while hyperopia was more prevalent in older adults (>45 years).

Conclusions:

• This study provides novel refractive error data for the Polish immigrant population in the US.
• Younger Polish immigrants show a higher prevalence of myopia compared to the general US population.
• High rates of amblyopia necessitate targeted educational initiatives and prompt treatment strategies.