Incidence and prevalence of selected refractive errors, active component, U.S. Armed Forces, 2001-2018

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Military Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Refractive errors, including myopia, astigmatism, and hyperopia, represent a significant health concern within military populations.
• Understanding the epidemiology of these conditions is crucial for maintaining service member readiness and optimizing healthcare strategies.
• Previous research has not comprehensively detailed the incidence and demographic variations of these common eye conditions in active-duty service members.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence rates of myopia, astigmatism, and hyperopia among active component service members.
• To analyze demographic and occupational factors associated with the incidence of these refractive errors.
• To provide data that can inform military eye care policies and readiness assessments.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of incident diagnoses for myopia, astigmatism, and hyperopia.
• Data collected from active component service members between 2001 and 2018.
• Incidence rates calculated per 100 person-years and stratified by sex, service branch, enlisted/officer status, occupation, and race/ethnicity.

Main Results:

• Approximately 1.38 million myopia, 1.21 million astigmatism, and 492,000 hyperopia diagnoses occurred between 2001-2018.
• Incidence rates for all three conditions were higher in women than men.
• Higher myopia rates were observed in the Marine Corps, enlisted personnel, and those in other/unknown occupations. Healthcare workers showed the highest hyperopia and astigmatism rates.

Conclusions:

• Refractive error incidence varies significantly by sex and military occupation.
• Targeted interventions and further research into occupational and demographic risk factors are warranted.
• Future studies should investigate the impact of military refractive surgery on service member readiness.