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Refraction and Ocular Biometry of Preschool Children in Shanghai, China
Luoli Zhang1,2, Xiangui He3, Xiaomei Qu1,2
1Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Insights
Preschool children in Shanghai exhibit mild hyperopia and low myopia rates. Astigmatism is common but stable in this age group, significantly linked to overall refractive error.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Optometry
- Public Health
Background:
- Refractive errors are a significant global health concern, particularly in early childhood.
- Understanding ocular biometry and refractive status in preschool populations is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine refraction and ocular biometry characteristics in Shanghai preschool children.
- To assess the prevalence of refractive errors like myopia and astigmatism in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving comprehensive eye examinations in randomly selected kindergartens in Shanghai.
- Included cycloplegic refraction and biometric measurements.
- Defined myopia (SE ≤ -0.50 D), hyperopia (SE ≥ +2.00 D), and astigmatism (cylindrical diopters ≤ -1.00 D).
Main Results:
- Mean spherical equivalent (SE) was +1.20 D, with a mean axial length (AL) of 22.29 mm.
- Prevalence rates were 3.7% for myopia and 18.3% for astigmatism.
- Astigmatism prevalence showed no age-related differences; it was significantly associated with refractive error.
Conclusions:
- Preschoolers in Shanghai are predominantly mildly hyperopic with low myopia prevalence.
- Refractive astigmatism appears stable during the preschool years.
- Astigmatism is a significant factor in the refractive status of young children.
Purpose:
To investigate the refraction and ocular biometry characteristics and to examine the prevalence of refractive errors in preschool children aged 3 to 6 years in Shanghai, China.
Methods:
A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Jiading and Xuhui District, Shanghai, in 2013. We randomly selected 7 kindergartens in Jiading District and 10 kindergartens in Xuhui District, with a probability proportionate to size. The children underwent comprehensive eye examinations, including cycloplegic refraction and biometric measurements. Myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism were defined as spherical equivalent (SE) ≤ -0.50 D, SE ≥ +2.00 D, and cylindrical diopters ≤ -1.00 D.
Results:
The mean SE for 3- to 6-year-old children was +1.20 D (standard deviation [SD] 1.05), and the mean axial length (AL) was 22.29 mm (SD 0.73). The overall prevalence of myopia and astigmatism was 3.7% and 18.3%, respectively. No difference in prevalence of astigmatism was found across age groups. There was a statistically significant association between lower cylindrical diopters and higher spherical diopters (Spearman's correlation: -0.21, P < 0.001).
Conclusion:
Chinese children aged 3 to 6 years in the Shanghai area were mostly mildly hyperopic, with a low prevalence of myopia. Refractive astigmatism for children may be relatively stable throughout the preschool stage. Astigmatism was significantly associated with refractive error.
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